The essence of the holiday as the season of giving never runs old with The Giving Fund, an initiative that aims to deliver help to individuals or families. The Giving Fund, which is now on its 33^rd year, is a joint venture of The Advocate, Greenwich Time and the local nonprofits Family Centers.

The project aims to aid local families and individuals in facing daily challenges such as rent payments, childcare costs, medical bills and transportation.

Stories of chosen clients are featured on the newspapers every Thursdays and Sundays through the end of the year and until the beginning of January. Donors who are passionate about extending help to their less fortunate neighbors make monetary contributions which goes directly to the clients in need.

The Giving Fund also values the privacy and dignity of the individuals and families submitted to benefit from the project, so their identity is protected by aliases.

"What's special about The Giving Fund is that it focuses on the everyday, immediate needs that many of our clients are facing," said Bill Brucker of Family Centers.

He furthered that the objectives of The Giving Fund is not like buying a toy for a child at Christmas, It encompasses an even deeper mission of addressing real-life, year-round types of situations.

The previous years, however, saw a decline in donations made. From an annual charity peak of $84,000 in 2012, the fund dropped to around $58,000 for the past two years.

Despite this decline in donations, Brucker claimed that Family Centers has been consistent in ensuring that no case is left unfunded.

"The Giving Fund is not meant to do the big 'wow' moments," he said. "Our staff is mindful that there is so much need on a daily basis when they submit for the Giving Fund, so they usually look to take care of just one of the major financial burdens that the families are facing."

The newspapers will publish new cases and include coupon for donations. The full list of the project is maintained online. Those interested to contribute to this cause may also make donations at stamfordadvocate.com/givingfund.