To the Editor:

My name is Matthew Blanco and I am a senior at Saint Joseph High School. I wanted to thank a number of people and organizations who helped me with my recent Kick for Nick drive.

Kick for Nick is an international charity based in Wilton that collects used soccer balls and equipment and distributes them to poor children all over the world. I am truly grateful for the overwhelming response and donations, as this equipment will change lives by giving children the gift of soccer. A big thank you to The Newtown Youth Academy and to the C.H. Booth Library for allowing me to have donation containers on their premises. I would also like to thank The Newtown Bee for their two incredible articles which helped promote the drive. Finally I want to say thank you to the Newtown Soccer Club and all of the families who participated for their generous donations and support. For more information about how you can get involved with Kick for Nick, visit www.kickfornick.org.

Matthew Blanco

8 Pheasant Ridge Road, Newtown         September 19, 2018