DiMatteo Insurance in Shelton donates 87 baskets of supplies to children in shelters

Kim DiMatteo of Bethany, left, branch manager at DiMatteo Insurance in Shelton, an affiliate of Cross Insurance, holds some of the items in the back-to-school themed baskets that were assembled and donated by DiMatteo Financial, DiMatteo Insurance, and ACBI Insurance, all in Shelton. She is with two employees from DiMatteo Insurance, Linda Ayles of Monroe, center, and Jamie Nickerson of New Milford./ Contributed photo

Shelton-based DiMatteo Insurance recently delivered 87 summer beach baskets to children living in shelters in Norwalk and Stamford.

“The children absolutely loved the assortment of items they received in their summer beach baskets,” said Lisa Cooper, Case Manager of Open Door Shelter, Inc. in Norwalk, one of three shelters that received a generous donation organized by DiMatteo Insurance. “This kind gesture was so unexpected and made everyone so happy.”

The baskets were brimming with kid-friendly, back-to-school items, including: markers, crayons, stuffed animals, foam balls, bubbles, and more.
This annual tradition to aid homeless children in the region was started by DiMatteo Insurance over 20 years ago, when the company typically distributed Easter baskets. 

Due to the pandemic, the community project was delayed until August.
Baskets were delivered to Open Door Shelter, Inc. and Domestic Violence Crisis Center, both in Norwalk, and Inspirica, Inc. in Stamford. 

Each basket was filled with age-appropriate necessities specifically for children age birth-3 years of age and 13-17 years of age.

“This donation came at the right time,” said Anita Lai, Manager of Community Initiatives at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. “With no camp and no school in session for months, the baskets were distributed to 17 very appreciative and excited children. We sincerely thank the DiMatteo family and their associates for their ongoing thoughtfulness over the past two decades. They are so committed to helping others.”

Since its inception, nearly 2,000 baskets have helped thousands of area children in need. The baskets were assembled and donated by DiMatteo Financial, DiMatteo Insurance and ACBI Insurance, all located in Shelton. 

Their employees, family, friends, and clients and contributed to the success of this annual community outreach project.
Kim DiMatteo of Bethany, branch manager of DiMatteo Insurance, an affiliate of Cross Insurance, and Zaibel Torres of Bridgeport, receptionist, spearheaded this community service drive.
“I want to personally thank the seven employee volunteers who spent weeks preparing for this worthwhile community project,” said DiMatteo. “Initially, I started the basket giving program over 20 years ago with my husband, John, and my three children, Anthony, Michael, and Jessica. Now it’s expanded into a much anticipated annual tradition throughout Fairfield County.”
DiMatteo Insurance supports many other local charities through the DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation. 

The Foundation was established more than 15 years ago as a tribute to their founder and late father Anthony “Tony” DiMatteo, who was battling cancer at the time. 

Since then, the Foundation has contributed more than $412,000 for various well-known local and national charities that fund research, education, and finding a cure for diseases.


This is a press release from DiMatteo Insurance of Shelton, which is affiliated with Cross Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance providers in the nation.

Headquartered in Bangor, Maine, this partnership has enabled DiMatteo Insurance to broaden its market opportunities, including expanded personal and commercial lines in New England and throughout the United States.
Visit www.DiMatteoInsurance.com for more information or call 203-924-4811.