To the Editor:

On behalf of the Newtown Junior Women’s Club I want to report that the annual “Tag-A-Gift” campaign was really something to watch unfold this year. What a community of selfless people who care that others who have less were given a bit of happiness this season. Every single person who took a tag and returned the wished-for item for a Newtown child or an area senior is one of the “angels among us.”

Of course, none of this would be possible if we did not have our eight businesses/organizations that not only permitted a tree or wreath to be hung with tags, but also monitored the return of gifts, safeguarded gift cards, etc. We are very grateful to Stop and Shop, Newtown Savings Bank, Newtown Youth Academy, Savings Bank of Danbury, Wesley Learning, Taunton Press, Edmond Town Hall, and Newtown Country Club.

This was the first year we added wishes from all sorts of seniors who asked for items such as new shoes, or needed just to know people care about them. We collected over 226 gifts for seniors in assisted living, nursing facilities, or some on their own or with family, but have little. So a new blanket or some Word Search books meant a great deal. How about the102-year-old that wanted a velour pants suit — and got it? Our partner, Golden Opportunities, located here in town, and who helps provide for seniors all year long with visits, calls, organized games, etc, identified seniors most in need of some joy. There were a LOT of smiles Christmas week.    

In addition to the seniors, we collected approximately 252 gifts for kids that were then included in The Newtown Fund’s annual Holiday Baskets, which were delivered on December 12. We have been doing this for over 18 years. Thanks also to the group of women who helped with the six weeks of picking up gifts, putting out more tags, setting up trees, etc, and the Girl Scouts who made ornaments.

In closing, I want to point out that the number of gifts that were given out was well over double past years, which meant double the giving, collecting, pick-up, etc.  But what a great feeling.

Laura Branchini, Tag-A-Gift Chair

Newtown Junior Women’s Club, Inc

Newtown                                                                                             December 31, 2015