When Linda Bates visited Dr Rakesh Vali at Pleasant Paws Pet Center recently, she was aware Vali, the owner of that business and the longstanding Mt Pleasant Animal Hospital, wanted to talk with her about The Newtown Fund (TNF).

Bates has served as president of TNF for 14 years. She has been a participant with the nonprofit organization for nearly twice as long, having heard about the fund’s Holiday Program more than 35 years ago. The fund has been in existence since 1959. Founded by Joseph Chase and the Reverend Paul Cullens, its objective continues to be to assist Newtown families in need, once all other avenues are exhausted.

The fund acts as “a safety net,” according to its website, “by paying for food, fuel assistance, utility bills, rent and medical expenses.”

“We are the emergency charity for the town of Newtown,” Ms Bates told The Newtown Bee in 2017.

Bates shared similar details with the veterinarian during her visit a few weeks ago. Sitting at his desk, Vali invited Bates to “tell me about The Newtown Fund.”

“We receive requests, all vetted by Newtown Social Services, to help residents in need,” she said. “We work year-round, but we have a major push for our Holiday Basket Program around this time every year. It’s an attempt,” she continued, “to purchase and arrange for gifts, food, and pet supplies for Newtown residents in need.”

The identities of those receiving the gifts are known only to Social Services, she explained. Households are identified only by a number, and each member of a household is described by age and gender when gifts are requested.

The Holiday Basket Program is in its final weeks of collection this season. Each season culminates in Depot Day, which is when all items are collected, additional gift cards may be added by Social Services, and everything is delivered to the adopted family.

Depot Day this year is planned for Saturday, December 14.

In recent years The Newtown Fund Holiday Basket program has helped nearly 100 households. That number represents individuals, couples, and families.

The 2023 holiday season saw 94 households receiving aid through the “incredible efforts of The Newtown Fund and generosity of the community,” Human Services Director Natalie Griffith told The Newtown Bee last December. The previous year, the Fund and those who helped the Holiday Basket Program provided gifts and other items to 93 households.

“People are amazing,” Bates told Vali during her November 20 visit. “They really come through. Newtown is a wonderful town.”

Vali agreed, saying “it is indeed.”

Nodding toward Operations Manager Theresa Viesto, Vali asked for his business checkbooks. He wrote out and signed two checks, each for $2,500, representing donations from each of his businesses.

Bates was nearly speechless.

“I can’t tell you how grateful we are for this,” she said, her voice shaking. “Thank you.”

“Use that for whatever you need,” the doctor responded.

The public is still invited to participate in this year’s Holiday Basket Program. Donations of items and/or financial resources are still being accepted. Donors can specify what they would like funds to be used for or offer them openly.

To donate to The Newtown Fund, visit thenewtownfund.org/donate. To adopt a family for the Holiday Basket Program, visit thenewtownfund.org/adopt.