Johnny Nowacki held up a can of fruit cocktail, selecting it from one of many boxed and canned food items already collected in a bin marked, “Food Pantry Donations” in the Newtown Community Center lobby.

Joining the “Let’s Can Hunger” effort, Johnny, one of many young men and women staffing the Better Day Café in the Newtown Community Center, met with Community Center Director Matthew Ariniello and Women Involved in Newtown, (WIN) copresidents Cyndy DaSilva and Mandy Monaco Friday, November 8, to announce the food drive. Collections will take place through the end of November.

Partnering to “serve a community in need,” Mr Ariniello said the Community Center will serve as a collection place for canned items for Thanksgiving baskets that WIN will distribute to Newtown families. A donation box sits in the center’s main lobby outside the Better Day Café window. Center members who bring in five canned items will receive one free guest pass for a day, Mr Ariniello said.

Ms DaSilva noted that “people can see how wonderful,” the new Community Center is and also support Newtown residents.

WIN members work with Newtown Social Services to identify the roughly 70 families to receive baskets this year.

“The goal is to get staple items and other goods, to get families through the holidays,” Ms Monaco said. Paper items are also welcome.

“The Community Center is here to support the community,” Mr Ariniello said.

Contact Ms Monaco at 203-426-5600 or reach the center at 203-270-4349. Learn more at newtowncommunitycenter.org. The center is located in Fairfield Hills at 8 Simpson Street.