To the Editor:

It is that time of year again when the local unit of the Salvation Army will be setting up kettles and ringing the bells to raise money for our friends and neighbors in Newtown that need our assistance. The money raised from donations to the kettle go to help pay for food, heat and utility bills, auto expenses to get to job interviews, medical expenses, and rent or mortgage payments for those who are struggling to make ends meet. The need has increased due to the current financial situation of many in our town. This year will be a challenge as we deal with the impact of COVID-19. We have had to scale back on our locations and we have put in safety protocols to protect our volunteers and those who would like to donate. The reduced locations will severely impact our fundraising this year.

How can you help? Please consider sending a donation directly to the Salvation Army Newtown Unit, c/o the Newtown Social Services Department, 28 Trades Lane, Newtown CT 06470. Any amount will be greatly appreciated, especially if you are not going out as often as you would like and may miss our kettles. We also need bell ringers on December 4th and 5th and December 11th and 12th. [See details in press release on Page A-7 of this issue.] If you can donate one hour of your time, please check out Sign Up Genius that can be accessed at bit.ly/2020bells or contact Anna Wiedemann at aroosterw@yahoo.com or at 203-417-3004, as soon as possible. Lastly, when you see our kettles around town, please give whatever you can.

Thank you,

Glenn Nanavaty

Chairman Salvation Army, Newtown Unit

104 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown December 1, 2020