DERBY — The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) has opened a new online store featuring Valleyness™ merchandise designed to celebrate the caring, neighborly spirit and character shared by Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.
The available items — sold at cost — include T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, tote bags and more. The online store will open for business from October 1, through October 22. A new collection of Valleyness items may also be introduced in spring 2027.
Valleyness is the name VCF coined to reflect the kindness, community pride and tradition of neighbors helping neighbors that have long distinguished the Valley. The initiative celebrates the everyday ways people care for one another, support local organizations, and strengthen the five communities they share.
“Valleyness gives a name to something Valley residents have known and shared for generations,” said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO. “It can be seen whenever someone helps a neighbor, volunteers for a local organization, welcomes a new resident or steps forward when the community needs them. These items give people a fun and visible way to celebrate that connection and carry the message of Valleyness wherever they go.”
But Closius said it was a dedicated working group of Valley volunteers that have formed VCF’s Board Advisory Council (BAC) who brought the initiative to life. These volunteers devoted their time, creativity and deep knowledge of the community to developing the Valleyness logo, selecting the merchandise and creating the motto: “Five Towns. One Shared Spirit.”
“Their enthusiasm and commitment have shaped Valleyness into a joyful and authentic celebration of the people, pride and neighborly connections that make the Valley special,” Closius said.
The new online store will offer the Valleyness branded items with no profit generated from purchases at this time.
“This store is not a fundraiser, it’s about spreading Valleyness,” Closius said. “We want the merchandise to be affordable and accessible so people can proudly wear it, display it, share it and start conversations about what makes the Valley special. The more people who embrace that spirit, the stronger and more connected our communities become.”
Residents and Valley supporters are encouraged to visit the store early and place their orders.
To visit the online store and learn more about Valleyness, visit www.Valleyness.org
About the Valley Community Foundation:
Established in 2004, each year the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) distributes more than $2 million in grants that support local nonprofits and people they serve. In addition, VCF works in strong partnership with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (CFGNH) to promote philanthropy in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton and receives funding from The Gates Fund and other preference funds at CFGNH that benefit the Valley. For more information, visit www.valleyfoundation.org. Valley Community Foundation, 253-A Elizabeth Street, Derby CT, 06418. Office: (203) 751-9162.