2008 Holiday Basket Program

To the Editor:

Even during these difficult economic times, Newtown residents found a way to make the Holiday Basket program another successful one for 2008. Many thanks to the various clubs, organizations, schools, churches, and individuals who donated money, “adopted” families, and gave your time to deliver to the needy families; you provided so many with a happy holiday season.

Depot Day was Saturday, December 13, all gifts, nonperishable food and supplies were brought to Sandy Hook School in the morning, and later delivered to the families.

It was a busy day, but a very rewarding one!

Newtown Social Services, under the leadership of Ann Piccini and Jo Anne Klopenstein, qualified and provided The Newtown Fund with 77 families that needed “adopting” this year, and as always, they were all adopted. Newtown Fund board member Rick Mazzariello, who handled all the calls again this year to adopt out the families and coordinate with Ann and Jo Anne, did another remarkable job.

Many thanks to The Newtown Junior Women’s Club who once again ran their annual Tag-A-Gift program, providing additional toys for the needy children. The Boy Scouts were at Sandy Hook School bright and early to assist in unloading and loading cars for deliveries. We are unable to thank all the volunteers individually, but appreciate their help year after year to this wonderful and fulfilling event.

On behalf of the members of The Newtown Fund, we would like to thank everyone for their help in making this the best holiday season for Newtown’s needy families. What a wonderful and generous town we live in!!

Respectfully submitted,

Doreen Kostecki, President, The Newtown Fund

Linda Bates, Vice President & Chairperson,

Holiday Basket Program

PO Box 641, Newtown                                             December 17, 2008