Hearts of Hope of Newtown (HOH-Newtown) will go remote for its January Paint With A Purpose event. Newtown’s first ever virtual paint night to celebrate the new year is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19, from 6-7 pm.

All hearts painted this month will go to National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Kristen Angell, associate director of advocacy for NORD, will be the special guest speaker.

To order supplies for this event, visit the Hearts of Hope online store at ourheartsofhope.org. Kits are $10 each, or $7 with the discount code virtual (all lower case).

Each kit contains an unpainted ceramic heart, paints, brushes, ribbon, a gift bag, message card, and instructions. Local orders may be picked up Tuesdays between 5 and 6 pm and Thursdays, 5-8 pm, at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, until the day of the event. To arrange a special pick-up time/date, contact HOH-Newtown at newtown@ourheartsofhope.org.

Once an online order is placed, the link for the January 19 remote link will also be shared.

Completed hearts should be returned to Newtown Community Center for NORD to distribute.

With a rise in COVID cases, planning a virtual paint night is one more way Hearts of Hope continues to fulfill its purpose of “creating hope one heart at a time.” Last winter, HOH-Newtown switched to curbside pick-up in response to the rise in COVID cases. Many longtime local volunteers have continued to paint hearts from their homes throughout the pandemic. Their unwavering support is invaluable to HOH.

Anyone can paint from the comfort of their kitchen table, including family members of all ages. Virtual parties among families and friends have also been done, with participants painting and spreading kindness. This is also a perfect activity for faith-based groups, community service clubs, scouts, and sports teams.

For additional information on the January 19 Paint With A Purpose event, help planning a virtual gathering, or volunteering with the HOH-Newtown chapter, e-mail newtown@ourheartsofhope.org.