To The Editor:

Volunteers are needed for the Newtown Salvation Army’s Kettle Collection on Saturday, July 26th. Ringing the bells and soliciting donations traditionally is done only during the Christmas season.

However, the last few years the Newtown Human Services Department has made us aware of the need for more funds to help our neighbors in Newtown.

The funds collected from this summer collection will be used for the assist families with back to school necessities (clothing, shoes and school supplies). The funds will also be used for emergency energy cost needs as many programs have ended and do not start up again until the fall. The rising costs of food and utilities has used up the winter funds so the need continues to raise money and stretch our funds through the end of the summer.

As always, we thank the local businesses that allow us to ring at the following locations: Bagel Delight, Dunkin Donuts, Yankee Wine and Liquor, Bottle Stop & Carraluzzi’s, Stop & Shop, and the Newtown General Store. We also want to acknowledge the groups that have volunteered to take all shifts at several locations.

These are Newtown Savings bank, Newtown Congregational Church, Newtown Lions Club, FONS, and the Garden Club of Newtown. We have many open spots for more volunteers to ring.

For those of you that can spare an hour to ring on July 26, please go to signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45AAA922A0F9C07-57166498-salvation to view open times and sign up online.

Glenn Nanavaty

President of the Salvation Army Newtown-Bethel Unit

Newtown