Passport Day Coincides With Food Drive

Postmaster Mike Kulikowski is trying something new: He hopes to generate some much-needed inventory for the local food pantry by holding a food drive beginning with this weekend’s passport day at Newtown Post Office at 5 Commerce Road.

On Saturday, March 28, between 9 am and 1 pm, residents planning international travel who need a passport book or passport card can process applications locally. With a twist, the postmaster said, “We hope people also notice that it’s a food drive.”

Evidence of US citizenship or nationality is required. Examples can include previous passports and a birth certificate with a raised seal. Applicants also need photo identification including a license, military identification, or previous passport. The total cost is $100 for residents age 16 and older. Applicants 16 years old or younger cost $85. Photo services are available for an additional $15.

Children under age 16 must apply in person with both parents. Children ages 16-18 must have a state-issued piece of identification, a birth certificate, and apply with at least one parent.

Optional expedited services are available for quick processing for $60, plus $17.50 express mail service each way. Visit usps.com/passport.

Passport Day will also mark the start of a weeklong chance for residents to boost the Newtown Food Pantry’s stock. While Saturday will launch the event with collections at the post office, the food drive will continue through the following week. Food also can be delivered to the pantry at the Newtown Social Services office at 3 Main Street behind the Newtown Police Department.

Social Services Director Ann Piccini welcomes the help. Already her shelves are filled with “a lot of pasta, and a lot of pumpkin in the can.” She also has enough beans — garbanzo, black, and red. What does she need? “Everything else,” she said.

Her list includes canned soups, baby food, pasta sauce, canned raviolis and prepared pastas, tuna, rice, cereals, tea, coffee, toothpaste, personal items, soaps, shampoos, and canned vegetables.

Don’t forget the pets.

“We can always use dog and cat food,” she said.

For information, contact the post office at 426-4271, or Social Services at 426-4330.