Volunteer Among Your Neighbors

To the Editor:

I moved to Newtown with my family from Fairfield a little over a year ago. We picked Newtown to move to for a number of reasons the schools, the location, the beautiful countryside, and for all the other reasons that make our community a truly wonderful place to live.

 When ever we bump into people we used to know we are always asked “how do you like Newtown?” Our first response is always the same: “We love Newtown, the people here are great!”

I joined the Newtown fire department as a volunteer a few months ago. The past few days l have been riding an emotional rollercoaster as have we all. If there was a bright spot for me throughout all of this tragedy, it has been being involved as a volunteer right here in Newtown.

This past Saturday I had the honor of donating my time, as did many of your friends and neighbors, in collecting donations to help the children of the fallen firefighters of the NYFD. The outpouring of support, financially, emotionally, and with goods to be used, was a very moving experience, an inspiration for our town. I met and talked with so many terrific people. We shared a smile, a tear, a hug and a handshake and most of all the feeling of togetherness.

If anyone reading this is wondering “what can I do help?” think about volunteering your time to your neighbors in anyway you can. The people you help will benefit, and you will help your soul to no end.

God bless all the Newtown emergency services folks I volunteer with. God bless the great people of Newtown, and God Bless America!

Sincerely,

Russ Volkers

Fox Run Lane South, Newtown                                   September 16, 2001