Rain falling on a frigid winter ground Sunday, January 18, formed a coat of ice that likely kept many residents home during Boy Scout Seth Barrett’s charity collection that afternoon. He had a late start due to the weather on what was to be a one-day collection that morning, so has extended his drive for goods to benefit Operation Hope, a food pantry and homeless shelter in Fairfield, through February 1.

A collection box is now located in the front lobby of The Newtown Bee office, 5 Church Hill Road. Business hours are 8 am through 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

From beneath an awning propped up outside Newtown Middle School last Sunday, Seth believes he saw far fewer donations of backpacks, T-shirts, socks, and personal hygiene items than a better day would have brought in. He is making a collection to benefit Operation Hope as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Huddled against the rainy day were family members and a handful of friends helping him to accept the few donations that came in.

“We got a few [donations], more than expected,” he said, with an eye on the slush-filled street. He hopes the extended collection effort will bring in more goods to give to the shelter.

For additional information or for large donations, contact Seth at sbarrett97@gmail.com.