George Durkin's Story
George Durkin: How One Volunteer Helps Turn Donations into Dreams
At the New Canaan Swap Shop, we’re reminded daily how generosity can extend far beyond our town. One such story centers on George Durkin, a dedicated volunteer whose passion for connecting children with books and toys has made a meaningful difference for families in need.
George has been bringing children’s books to the New Covenant Center in Stamford, CT for more than 11 years. When the New Canaan Swap Shop opened three years ago, it became a natural extension of that long-standing commitment. With the wide variety of gently loved books and toys donated by New Canaan families,Â
George began collecting items directly from the Swap Shop and delivering them to the New Covenant Center, with the full support of our dedicated Swap Shop volunteers. This effort continues with the permission and support of the Town of New Canaan and the Department of Public Works.
The New Covenant Center, part of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, is the largest soup kitchen in the Stamford area, serving more than 400 warm meals every day, 365 days a year. In addition to daily meals, the Center operates a food pantry where qualified individuals can shop for approximately ten days’ worth of groceries each month. This is where George volunteers his time—and where the impact of Swap Shop donations truly comes to life.
On the fourth Saturday of every month, the New Covenant Center hosts approximately 45 families facing food insecurity in the pantry. Along with groceries, families are invited to select books and toys for their children. Often, the children arrive shy and unsure. Over time, thanks to the steady flow of books and toys from the Swap Shop, that hesitation has turned into excitement.
Books—especially STEM-focused ones—have sparked curiosity and dreams. George has watched children begin to imagine futures as electricians, nurses, and more. Parents have shared that reading together has helped them improve their English, strengthening family bonds while building confidence and skills.
The holiday season brings an especially powerful reminder of why this work matters. Each Christmas, every child receives a toy and several books. For some, it’s the very first doll or firetruck they’ve ever owned. Those moments—simple, joyful, unforgettable—are made possible by the generosity of New Canaan families who donate so thoughtfully to the Swap Shop.
At Planet New Canaan, we believe the Swap Shop is more than a place to reuse and recycle—it’s a place where community generosity ripples outward. George’s story is proof of that.
We are honored to support George’s efforts and thankful to the Swap Shop volunteers, donors, and partners who make this work possible. Their generosity helps turn donated books and toys into moments of learning and connection for families.
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Planet New Canaan
P.O. Box 12
New Canaan, CT 06840
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