Newtown Lions Club member Dick Kovacs recently presented a check to Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) President Colette Ercole and Vice President Audrey Locorotondo (photo at right) to support the local group’s efforts.

WIN benefits Newtown all year around. The club’s November program, “Thanksgiving Baskets,” is a townwide event involving Newtown’s Department of Social Services, Girl Scouts, various churches and businesses, and individuals.

The benefits go well beyond Thanksgiving Day. Social Services provides WIN with a list of families in need, and the program provides food not only for their Thanksgiving meal, but also for an entire month.

This year the program will help approximately 75 families, and WIN is still hoping to hear from those who will adopt a family (a $50-$75 investment), or make a partial donation to help cover the cost of feeding a family for up to five weeks. The program  started about 44 years ago, also includes items such as pet foods, and cleaning and hygiene products.

Drop-off locations for items have been set up at a few spots in town, including Berkshire Motors at 15 Berkshire Road.

Baskets will be assembled on November 22 between noon and 4 pm, after which families can either pick them up or have them delivered.

Contact WIN Thanksgiving Basket Coordinator Mandy Monaco, at 203-426-5600, as soon as possible to help with this year’s effort.