Newtown Fund Launches Holiday Basket Programs

For many, this is the time of year that thoughts turn to making plans for the upcoming holiday season. Some early birds are already bragging about their completed holiday shopping. Others may start planning the decorations for their home or even a vacation getaway. But for a small group of volunteers, plans are well underway for the annual Holiday Basket Program.

The Newtown Fund, Inc is a nonprofit organization that sees to it that Newtown families in need have all the ingredients necessary for a holiday celebration. Under the direction of its president, Doreen Kostecki, the Newtown Fund, Inc will continue its 40-year tradition of marshaling town support to make sure no Newtown family is forgotten during the holidays.

Joseph P. Chase organized the first Holiday Basket Program in the 1960s. Since then many individuals, organizations, and business have generously donated their time and resources to continuing this Newtown tradition. According to Rick Mazzariello of the Newtown Fund, Inc., the Holiday Basket Program is expected to bring a holiday meal and gifts to more than 120 Newtown families. Mr Mazzariello emphasizes that the program’s success has always been based on townwide support, without which the program could not reach out to all of the families in need.

There are four ways that the community can participate in this year’s Holiday Basket Program. The first is by “adopting” a needy family and making a commitment to provide a complete holiday meal for a family and gifts for each family member. The second is by making a financial contribution to the Newtown Fund. The third is by making donations of food, new clothing, and new toys. Finally, members of the community can volunteer to deliver the Holiday Baskets to the adopted families on the morning of December 18.

To adopt a family or to help deliver holiday baskets, contact Rick Mazzariello at Enrichem Specialties, LLC at 270-9190. Tax deductible contributions, payable to The Newtown Fund, Inc, may be sent to: The Newtown Fund, Inc, PO Box 641, Newtown CT 06470-0641. Any family that wishes to be adopted should contact Newtown Social Services at 270-4330.