Hearts of Hope of Newtown (HOH-Newtown) had a special event on Wednesday, January 29, sponsored by Fisio Therapy and Wellness of Newtown, where guests painted hearts for Australia.

There has been such loss and devastation there due to droughts and wildfires that the local Hearts of Hope group decided to share some of its ceramic hearts with messages of hope.

The continent is also close to the heart of Karin LaBanca, owner of Fisio, who has family living there.

“My mother and grandma were born in Australia. It is such a special country,” Ms LaBanca said. “The Hearts of Hope have been a comfort to my family in Sandy Hook. I want to be part of sending some hope and love to people in Australia who have braved the fires and lost so much.”

Palm-sized ceramic hearts that were covered with designs and/or simple messages that evening — including one that read “Your world is our world” — will be shipped overseas in the next few weeks with the wish of bringing some encouragement to people who have been so deeply affected.

On Wednesday, February 12, HOH-Newtown will host its next Paint With A Purpose regular event. This month, those who attend will be painting for Families United in Newtown, or FUN.

The group pairs a special needs family with a National Honors Society student from Newtown High School and they work as a team through some fun-filled events, with FUN providing the parents a small break when needed.

HOH-Newtown meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook. Gatherings are in the church hall, accessible from the lower parking lot.

Painting events run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, and all supplies are provided.

Those planning to attend should note that a donation of $6 per each heart to be painted is requested.

“We had been able to maintain the old price for seven years, but cost of supplies has continued to grow and unfortunately we had to adapt to that,” said Pattie Ptak, president of HOH-Newtown. “We look forward to your continued support to bring hope around the world through a painted heart and a personalized message.”

Until March 20, HOH-Newtown is conducting a Savers fundraiser. The money raised will help to keep the cost of hearts where they are now.

“We all have things around the house we don’t need or use or want anymore. You’ve probably thought about donating them,” said Ms Ptak. “Please think about getting in touch with us and we will gladly take the items off your hands.

“We are collecting ‘soft’ items such as all gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories along with blankets, sheets, and towels,” she added. “We can also accept ‘hard’ items such as knickknacks, dishes, glasses, small kitchen appliances. We cannot accept furniture or mattresses.”

Arrangements can be made for pick-up of items, according to Ms Ptak.

“All items are tax deductible,” she noted. “Thank you for your support.”

For additional information about the Savers event or the upcoming Paint With A Purpose gatherings, contact HOH-Newtown at newtown@ourheartsofhope.org, through its Facebook page (Hearts of Hope of Newtown, CT) or by calling 203-828-8103.