The Newtown Fund is asking for the community’s help to bring joy to families in need during the upcoming holiday season.

The Holiday Basket Program, sponsored by The Newtown Fund, annually benefits about 80 Newtown families who qualify for assistance by providing holiday gifts and food.

Volunteers are needed to “adopt” a family by purchasing the items they request; making a monetary contribution to buy individual gifts and gift certificates for food, gas, and clothing; and delivering the items to the families.

“The kindness and generosity of Newtown residents make this time of the year all the more special for these families. This is why The Newtown Fund has been part of town for so many years!” says Linda Bates, president of the organization.

To adopt a family, reach out to The Newtown Fund online at [naviga:u]thenewtownfund.org[/naviga:u], call 203-426-5189, or send a tax-deductible contribution to The Newtown Fund, PO Box 641, Newtown CT 06470.

Depot Day will take place Saturday, December 15, starting at 7:30 am, at Fraser Woods School, 173 South Main Street. Volunteers will be needed for wrapping smaller gifts, loading cars, organizing the baskets in the gym, helping in the kitchen, and delivering baskets to the families.

Started in 1959, The Newtown Fund provides funds to qualified individuals and families in need year-round, including help paying for medical expenses, heating fuel during the winter, and supporting other emergency requests from the Newtown Social Services Department.

All monies raised are spent in Newtown, and there are no administrative costs to run the fund except for postage and paper for fundraising.