I can’t re-ring this bell loud enough: Registration is still open for the local Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. This year’s campaign has collection dates set for Fridays and Saturdays, December 10-11 and 17-18. Kettles will be set up at seven locations, and it’s very easy to help. Volunteers are still needed to sign up for the December 17-18 collection days. Individuals, couples, groups, clubs, et al are all invited to volunteer one hour of time (or more, if you’d like) to ring a bell and thank people as they drop donations into one of those signature red kettles. There is also an online portal set for those who want to donate. Visit bit.ly/2021bells to find out exactly which locations and times are available. Not a fan of technology? That’s OK. Contact Newtown Salvation Army Unit President Glenn Nanavaty at 203-788-2762 or gnanavaty@ndswcpa.com and he’ll work with you to find an opening that works for your schedule.

C.H. Booth Library is participating in the United States Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program this holiday season with boxes located on both the first floor and second floor. Businesses interested in participating as a drop-off location and individuals who would like to host a party and have a box for donations can contact Toys For Tots Area Coordinator Dave Silber at dave4handyman@gmail.com. For those unable to drop off a toy in person, there is the option of making a monetary contribution or selecting a toy through the Virtual Toy Box at toysfortots.org.

The Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard is set to “wrap up” the holiday season with a holiday gift wrapping fundraiser for its participation in the upcoming 2022 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. The event will take place at NHS, 12 Berkshire Road, in the old cafeteria, Saturday, December 18, from 9 am until 3 pm, and on Sunday, December 19, from noon to 4 pm. An announcement for the fundraiser reads, “We will beautifully wrap your holiday gifts for a donation while you run errands or relax with a cup of cocoa and a baked good in our cozy holiday lounge.” Visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfz_ec0pUI2fuqOtyvx6SHOMp3K2ltM5GJoYuNUK_pe6G03YQ/viewform to let them know when they can expect you and they will “schedule our best wrappers.” All proceeds will defray expenses for the upcoming trip. The suggested donation amount is $1 to $3 per item, depending on size.

For the 21st year, Newtown Police Department is again collecting hats, mittens, and scarves for its Mitten Tree. Officer Maryhelen McCarthy continues to spearhead the effort, which this season will continue to January 1. Donations can be dropped in the lobby of the police department, at 191 South Main Street. All items received are then distributed to those in need through the Town’s Department of Human Services.

Speaking of mittens, you’ll probably want some this weekend if you head toward Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s main station. The fire company has once again teamed up with friends in Tolland Fire Department, and will offer free rides on Santa’s Sleigh beginning on Saturday, December 11. Rides are from noon until at least sunset. They’re free of charge, but any donations will directly benefit Sandy Hook VFR. Reservations are not available. The event is first-come, first-served. In the event of inclement weather, check our online calendar or the fire company’s Facebook page for updates. The main station is at 18-20 Riverside Road. Definitely dress for the weather – the sled is open, although unlike “Jingle Bells,” this sleigh is pulled by a pick-up truck, not a horse.

Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue’s annual tree sale is going very well. Of the 700 fresh-cut trees from northern Vermont, all delivered on November 26, there were less than 100 remaining as of this past Sunday night. Sales continue this weekend — Friday, 3-6 pm; Saturday, 9 am-9 pm; and Sunday, 9 am-6 pm — but only while supplies last. In addition to the trees, there are tree stands, tree bags, wreaths, kissing balls, pine roping/garland, and cemetery/Christmas boxes. The sale is scheduled through December 19, but organizers do not expect inventory to last that long. Like the sleigh rides, it’s all first-come, first-served.

If you still haven’t purchased a ticket for this year’s Newtown Lions Club Mustang Raffle, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal. The drawing for the 1966 Ford Mustang coupe being offered this year is scheduled for 1 pm Saturday, December 11, in front of Edmond Town Hall. Tickets are $10 and final sales will be done until just before the drawing. The vehicle is maroon with a light beige vinyl roof. It also features a 289 V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, power front brakes, and is in beautiful condition. Proceeds from the raffle support the local club’s multiple charitable efforts. Tell ‘em Mountain sent you.

The 11th annual community tree lighting event in Hawleyville is scheduled to happen between 5:30 and 6:30 pm this Sunday, December 12, at a brand new location beside the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Co headquarters at 34 Hawleyville Road. I’ll be roaming about, as I do all over town, and everyone from the community is invited to attend. I hear Dance Etc. dancers will offer a performance, there will be songs of the season, refreshments ... and The Newtown Bee’s Editor John Voket will be providing music and MC services. Clearly, “JVo” never misses a “beat.” To mark the occasion and new location, a fir tree has been donated by North Stone Landscaping of New Milford. Papa Al’s will keep the free cheese pizzas coming, and the Hawleyville Post Office staff will be serving hot chocolate and cookies. And as a further reminder: The event is subject to weather cancellation, so in the event of rain, check The Newtown Bee Facebook page for updates.

Earlier on December 12, Newtown Christian Church is inviting everyone to join its members for a seasonal boutique that will, according to organizers, celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. Salvation is a perfect gift freely given, organizers say. They remind all that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, King James Version). In that spirit, all are invited to visit 210 Sugar Street on Sunday, December 12. From 12:15 to 2 pm, visitors will be invited to choose from many items, including bibles, ornaments, key holders, picture frames, and more, all free of charge. The Christmas gifts, again according to organizers, are a reminder of Jesus’s salvation.

Beverly Bennett Schaedler is conducting a fundraiser for Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) Chore Services, the program that helps local senior citizens with chores around their home. One of the first things Bev wants to do is make sure every senior citizen in town knows about the program. To do that, she’s planning a mailer to every home in town … but that’s going to take some funding. To cover that, Bev has begun selling bags of Stosh’s Classic Kettle Corn, with all proceeds going to the FONS program. She’s done a few events already, and has two more planned for the upcoming weekend. On Friday, December 10, Bev is going to be at Newtown Senior Center during the annual holiday open house and crafts fair there. Visit the center, at 8 Simpson Street, between 10 am and 3 pm to peruse gifts, craft items, baked goods, and more. Bev will also be there with her FONS table. Then, on Sunday she is planning to be at Fairfield Hills during the 2GHG and NBLA Jingle Bell Ride (see last week’s paper, this week’s Community Calendar on page A-2, our website, or even this week’s Horse & Dog News page for details). That new event will be centered around the area of Shelton House, on Keating Farms Avenue, from 11 am to 1 pm. The kettle corn — manufactured right in Brookfield — is $8 a bag. If you miss Bev at this weekend’s events or if you’d like to place a large order, she’d love to hear from you. She can be reached at 203-430-0633 or FONSchoreservices@gmail.com.

I’ll be popping with joy like a bag of popcorn if you promise next week to... Read me again.