Due to the unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic, Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants (NEWS) has made the difficult decision to postpone its service trip to Puerto Rico from this June to June 2021. The group, composed of 48 high school students and 12 adult chaperones, worked diligently throughout the year to raise funds to offset the costs of travel and ministry supplies, and met its fundraising goal.

In the spirit of supporting neighbors in need, NEWS designated a portion of its funds to be donated to communities in need both near and far. The nine high school seniors participating in the program this year were charged with determining which organizations would receive these funds.

The seniors — Will Crebbin, Annie Davidow, Casey Dunn, Andrew Holden, Danny Ingersoll, Owen Meeker, Jake Paré, Sean Roche, and Will Tainter-Gilbert — selected FAITH Food Pantry in Newtown; Appalachia Service Project (ASP), an organization with longstanding ties to NEWS; and Praying Pelican Missions, the organization NEWS will serve with in Puerto Rico, to receive donations.

FAITH Food Pantry and Praying Pelicans Mission each received $4,000. ASP received $2,000, but a matching donation offered to the workcampers in May means ASP also received a total donation of $4,000 for its mission.

NEWS extends its thanks to the entire Newtown community, who generously supported the group financially and prayerfully over the course of the year.