Now in its 9th year, the West Hartford Center Kidscard offers discount deals to shoppers and diners while at the same time raising significant funds for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

By Ronni Newton

Image courtesy of West Hartford Center Kidscard.

Although most of the trees have yet to shed their leaves and there have been some unseasonably warm days, the season of giving is not far off.

The West Hartford Center Kidscard program gives shoppers an excellent opportunity to do some early holiday shopping with 20 percent savings throughout the Center and Blue Back Square, while at the same time providing much needed support to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. When you’re done shopping – or to prepare for the experience, or as a break – enjoy the 20 percent discount at many West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square restaurants as well.

Labrazel Home owner Lauren Zeligson has been spearheading the Center Kidscard program since it was launched as the “Center Passport” in 2006. She got the idea when she went to an open house at the medical center. “I learned all about Connecticut Children’s and how much they do for the community. I’m on the board of the West Hartford Center Business Association, and I felt we should come together and do something for an organization that’s so important to the community,” she said.

It’s also great for the businesses, said Zeligson. It gives local shops greater exposure and new customers. “It’s a great way for us to promote each other, and to support Connecticut Children’s giving the care that children deserve.”

In the past eight years, Kidscard has raised approximately $240,000 for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center – $49,000 last year alone.

There are more than 70 stores and restaurants throughout West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square participating in the 2014 Kidscard program. They can be easily identified by large signs in the windows. Cardholders receive a 20 percent discount on unlimited shopping (non-sale items) and dining (excludes alcohol) for the full 10-day period, Oct. 23 – Nov. 1. It’s a great opportunity to purchase items that otherwise never go on sale.

Participation begins with purchase of a $50 West Hartford Center Kidscard. The cards are available for sale in 27 different locations (see website) beginning Oct. 16, and can also be purchased online. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the cards will be donated, and this year will directly benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s Surgery Center in Farmington. The surgery center is designed to handle less-complicated surgeries, freeing up operating room space and lessening the wait times at the hospital’s Hartford location.

Many of the local businesses treat the beginning of the Kidscard program as a celebration, some even hosting kick-off parties. “It gets people to thnk about early holiday shopping. It’s very motivating,” said Zeligson.

Another benefit to being a Kidscard holder is discounted parking. The town provides a $2 discount for lot and garage parking to those who show a Kidscard at the exit. “It’s really nice of them to do that,” Zeligson said.

And while many may think of purchasing “traditional” holiday gifts with the card, Zeligson said it applies to some things you may not consider. Dry cleaning at French Cleaners, rakes at Pfaus, a case of wine at Toast, and labor costs at Modern Tire are some of the unexpected items that are discounted 20 percent to Kidscard holders. Zeligson said people should even think about giving the Kidscard as a gift if they have any occasions in the next few weeks.

Zeligson said that she is grateful for the “tremendous support of the participating stores and the community,” as well as the sponsors, all of which are listed on the Kidscard website. There is also a West Hartford Center Kidscard Facebook page.

“It’s all to support the kids,” said Zeligson. I always get teary-eyed the day it starts, when you drive through town and you see all the window banners.”

For more information about Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, visit www.connecticutchildrens.org or connect with them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/connecticutchildrens and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ctchildrens.