Holiday Basket Program Benefited From The Generosity Of Many

To the Editor:

Now that the holidays are over, the decorations are put away, the children are back at school, and we are back to our busy lives… it is an excellent time to thank all of the generous Newtown residents that once again made the Holiday Basket program a successful one in 2005. Many thanks to the various clubs, organizations, schools, churches, and individuals who donated money, “adopted” families, and gave your time to deliver to the needy families; you have provided so many with a happy holiday.

Depot Day was Saturday, December 17; all gifts, nonperishable food, and supplies were brought to Sandy Hook School in the morning, and later delivered to the families.

It was a busy day, but a very rewarding one!

Newtown Social Services, under the leadership of Ann Piccini and Jo Anne Klopenstein, qualified and provided The Newtown Fund with 82 families that needed “adopting” this year, and as always, they were all adopted. Newtown Fund board member Rick Mazzariello, who takes all the calls each year to adopt out the families and coordinates with Ann and Jo Anne, did another remarkable job.

Many thanks to The Newtown Junior Women’s Club who once again ran their annual Tag-A-Gift program, providing additional toys for the needy children. The Boy Scouts Troup 370, and Girl Scout Troops 591 and 78 were at Sandy Hook School bright and early to assist in unloading and loading cars, and wrapping last minute donated gifts. For the second year, Girl Scout Troop 334 provided beautiful homemade decorated wreaths for the families to enjoy. Pitney Bowes always supplies the hundreds of boxes and tape needed.

On behalf of the members of The Newtown Fund, we would like to thank everyone for their help in making this the best holiday season for Newtown’s needy families. What a wonderful and generous town we live in!

Sincerely,

Doreen Kostecki,

President, The Newtown Fund

Linda Bates,

Vice President & Chairperson,

Holiday Basket Program

PO Box 641, Newtown                                            December 30, 2005