Volunteers for the local unit of the Salvation Army were out during the day on Saturday, July 18 to ring bells around town to raise funds to help Newtown. The afternoon weather presented a challenge, with heavy rain at times, but they had a successful morning at several locations.

In total the volunteers raised $1,566. This was matched by a donation from the Newtown-Bethel Unit President Glenn Nanavaty, who honored the late Dick and Marie Sturdevant and all they did for the local Salvation Army, raising the total to $3,132 for the local Salvation Army's seventh summer event.

Dick Sturdevant was a past president of the local chapter of The Salvation Army when he died in January 2024. Marie Sturdevant was board secretary for over 30 years. Nanavaty last month also told The Newtown Bee that in addition to serving as board and committee members, the Sturdevants were both bell ringers, and each offered “any support they could provide to help the community and the town.”

This special Christmas in July collection was done to help assist families with back-to-school necessities and also support Newtown families with emergency utilities coverage. The back-to-school supplies will go directly to families that the schools helped identify.

Nanavaty offered his thanks this week to the donors, volunteers who rang, and the local store owners and managers who allowed bell ringing to take place outside their locations: Bagel Delight, Newtown General Store and Bob Hall, Dunkin Donuts, Yankee Wine & Spirits, Bottle Stop, Walgreens, and Stop & Shop.

Additionally, Nanavaty noted Newtown Savings Bank, Newtown Lions Club, Newtown Congregational Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints organized volunteers to staff hours at several locations last weekend.

Overall, there were 54 volunteers, with several filling two or three slots. Some brought their children and dressed up.

"It is a great way for Newtown students to get their volunteer hours," Nanavaty said.

The local unit of the Salvation Army, in partnership with the Newtown Human Services Department, addresses emergency needs of Newtown residents. Ninety percent of the money raised from these collections stays in Newtown to help those in need of assistance.

The local unit is already planning for its December collection. Those who are interested in helping on the local organization committee or volunteering for an hour to ring can contact Nanavaty at gnanavaty7746@yahoo.com.