Hearts of Hope-Newtown (HOH-Newtown) is off and running with its calendar of Paint with A Purpose Events for 2019.

On January 18, Pattie Ptak, president of the Newtown Hearts of Hope Chapter, delivered Hearts of Hope to the Epileptic Foundation, which will then distribute them to patients arriving for appointments over the next few months.

The following day, another batch of Hearts of Hope was distributed to the American Gold Star Mothers Headquarters in Washington, DC. Members of the organization have lost a son or daughter serving in the military. Their mission is to serve and support members of the military and their families. The delivery itself created lots of stories, laughs, tears, and hugs for everyone in attendance.

The next Paint with A Purpose event is scheduled to benefit DEBRA — Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America. The painting event will be Wednesday, February 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the usual location: the gathering hall of Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road.

DEBRA supports victims and their families who suffer from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic connective tissue disorder with no known treatment or cure. It is often called the “worst disease you’ve never heard of.”

The public is encouraged to attend and paint hearts for the cause. A $5 donation is requested for each palm-size ceramic heart that is painted. HOH-Newtown provides all of the supplies needed.

HOH-Newtown announced recently that its monthly Paint with A Purpose events would be changed in 2019 from the third Wednesday each month to the second. A current list of future Paint with A Purpose events is available online at ourheartsofhope.org (click on Where We Are, then Newtown CT Chapter).

Ms Ptak can be contacted at 203-828-8103 or newtown@ourheartsofhope.org.

In other HOH-Newtown news, the chapter’s Facebook page has issued a Like Us Challenge in an effort to attract volunteers and awareness for the Hearts of Hope Foundation. The chapter is attempting to create 100 new likes, with a free gift and Hearts of Hope kit discounts being awarded. Visit their Facebook page for details.

Hearts of Hope is a pay-it-forward charitable organization where people paint ceramic hearts with messages of compassion and love and send or deliver them to people and places in need of hope and healing. The foundation has conducted thousands of Paint with A Purpose events across the nation since its formation following 9/11 to help raise money and provide inspiration and support for various individuals and groups.

Hearts of Hope has local grassroots chapters in New Jersey and Connecticut, and volunteers can be found all across the country. The unique keepsake gifts have been distributed to hospitals, military bases, nursing homes, police departments, and firehouses as well as to individuals in need of a message of hope.

For additional information visit ourheartsofhope.org or facebook.com/ourheartsofhope or send email to info@ourheartsofhope.org.