April 27 Through May 3––

Newtown Youth Services Promotes Volunteer Recognition Week

By Tanjua Damon

Newtown is a giving community. That is why Newtown Youth Services (NYS) hopes that the community will take time out during the week of April 27 through May 3 — Volunteer Recognition Week — to say thank you to the businesses and individuals who have offered support to the numerous community events held throughout the year in Newtown.

NYS Director Debbie Richardson and board member Carol Smiley thought it would be a perfect time for people who have received to say thank you to those who have given. The agency was so impressed with the outpouring of support for its fourth annual silent auction and dinner dance held in mid-March.

“We were amazed at how responsive the community and businesses were to our requests for the silent and live auction items,” Ms Smiley said. “The community has been inundated with requests for fundraisers. We feel it is ‘Nicer in Newtown’ because the business connect with the community.”

With school, sports, community organizations, and nonprofits soliciting items for auctions, many businesses give willingly and every time they are asked. Corporate donations as well as individual artists and those who are self-employed who donated their services always are selfless and give to the needs of the community. Ms Smiley pointed out that many businesses also give for fundraising efforts for those with catastrophic illnesses.

“It becomes quite apparent we come from a very giving community,” Ms Smiley said. “It’s time to recognize those who give on an ongoing basis, the consistent and enduring support, which in most cases helps to support the youth here in town.”

Newtown Youth Services will be handing out window decals expressing its thanks to those in the community who give endlessly to simply say thank you and salute them for their contributions and support.

“We would like to invite and encourage everyone in Newtown to honor and recognize in some small way the businesses who contribute,” Ms Smiley said. “These are stressful times with economic constraints everywhere and it’s encouraging to see that a sense of community operates between local businesses and the people; to see the abundance of this community as it moves dynamically in a circle of respect and generosity.”

NYS is asking the entire community to simply thank those who have donated, bid, or volunteered time to make an event successful.

“I think a lot of times people are grateful for the contributions of the local businesses, but I don’t think people truly understand that all the organizations in town couldn’t survive without the business’ generosity,” Ms Richardson said. “This goes for all the people in town who volunteer, not only give goods, but their time and efforts. Everyone who volunteers should be thanked and saluted.”