Happy Holidays From WIN

By Nancy K. Crevier

Members of Women In Newtown (WIN) and other volunteers spent a long day, Friday, November 20, packing holiday baskets for 68 families in need. The families were “adopted” by local individuals, organizations, and schools, including members of the Newtown Elderly Housing Residents Association of Nunnawauk Meadows, residents from Masonicare of Newtown, and Newtown Middle School, Head O’ Meadow, Reed Intermediate, Sandy Hook, Frasier Woods, Montessori, and Middle Gate schools. Middle Gate School alone sponsored 25 families this year, said WIN chairperson Mandy Monaco, and the group is extremely appreciative of a $1,000 donation from the Newtown Lions Club that allowed them to purchase additional items for the baskets this year.

The volunteers worked tirelessly from 9 am to 8 pm, checking donations for expiration dates, sorting, and organizing the baskets. “It’s sad when we get expired food items,” said Ms Monaco. “Obviously, they cannot be used.”

Sponsors purchased items specific to the family adopted to supply them with food for a Thanksgiving feast. The baskets are supplemented with additional donations, said WIN member Cyndy DaSilva, and any food or toiletries not distributed by the end of the day Friday were designated for the town’s food pantry at Town Hall South.