Families United in Newtown (FUN), a locally based nonprofit supporting families and children with special needs, is planning to offer socially isolated kids some person-to-person face time.

And that all-important social interaction with volunteers, including Newtown High School National Honors Society students, comes with a hot meal and a few sweet treats — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

FUN founder Linda Jones announced that the group’s next activity will be a drive-by “Chili and Chat” on Saturday, February 13, at the Newtown Methodist Church in Sandy Hook.

“These drive-by car chats gives our mentors and volunteers an opportunity to check in with our FUN families during the pandemic,” Jones told The Newtown Bee. “We love having the chance to encourage social emotional options for our kids, and an opportunity to extend to them and their families best wishes to all for a happy healthy February and Valentines Day.”

Any family with a child on the autism spectrum or with other special needs is invited to sign up for a time slot to chat with the volunteers and students and pick up a meal package of hot meat or vegan chili, corn bread, special Valentine’s Day cookies, chocolates, and freshly ground coffee.

The pickup visits are scheduled to begin promptly at 2 pm, and each visitor will receive a 10-minute time slot. The final slot will be from 4:50 to 5 pm.

FUN families and friends must sign up for their chat time/meal pickup and meal selections no later than Sunday, February 7, at 10 pm by calling or texting Linda Jones at 203-512-6284. Participants should plan to provide a selected visit time, their choice of chili, the number of family members, and a contact phone number.

Event sponsors include Butcher’s Best Country Market of Newtown, Phinney's specialty market, coffee sponsor BP Provisions, and Big Y, which is providing carry bags.

The mission of FUN is to provide individuals with special needs, and their families, social opportunities in a caring environment through monthly themed meetings. “Chili and Chat” is intended to provide a COVID-safe interactive and in-person social experience.

For more information on the organization, to volunteer, or to make a donation toward supplies and programs, visit familiesunitedinnewtown.org or the group’s Facebook site.