Newtown Fund Is Continuing Its Tradition Of Helping Families During The Holidays

It’s that time of the year again – holiday time – and with that comes the annual Newtown Fund Holiday Basket Program. The Newtown Fund under the direction of President Doreen Kostecki, has already been hard at work planning for its 2006 Holiday Basket Program.

Each year The Newtown Fund brings a holiday meal and gifts to more than 100 families right here in Newtown. Once again, Rick Mazzariello of The Newtown Fund is leading this annual effort to ensure that no family in Newtown goes without a holiday celebration.

More than forty years ago, Joseph P Chase organized the first Holiday Basket project. The program has continued through the years because of the efforts of many individuals, organizations and businesses who volunteer and contribute in a variety of ways. Without town support, the program could not reach out to all of the families who need it.

There are four ways that the community can participate in this year’s Holiday Basket Program. The first is by “adopting” a needy family, by making a commitment to provide a complete holiday meal for a family, including gifts for each family member.

The second is by making a financial contribution to The Newtown Fund.

The third is by making donations of food, new clothing, blankets and new toys on December 16 before 9:30 am at Sandy Hook School.

Finally, members of the community can volunteer to deliver the holiday baskets to the adopted families on December 16.

To adopt a family or to help deliver holiday baskets, contact Mr Mazzariello at Enrichem Specialties, LLC at 270-9190. Tax deductible contributions, payable to The Newtown Fund, Inc., may be sent to The Newtown Fund, Inc. PO Box 641, Newtown CT 06470-0641.

Any family that wishes to be adopted can contact Newtown Social Services at 270-4330.