Newtown High School junior Connor Kwarcinski is asking for help this season to make the holidays a little warmer for hospitalized veterans. Through December 17, Connor is collecting items to create care packages for veterans hospitalized at the West Haven VA Medical Center. Collection boxes are located at Newtown Community Center and Newtown Senior Center, both located at 8 Simpson Street.

Requested items include lip balm; playing cards; tea bags; hand lotion; flameless candles with batteries; 2023 calendars with themes such as aviation, pets, landscapes and positives messages; body wash; deodorant; shaving cream; denture adhesive; denture cleaner; adult coloring books with colored pencils; new books with large print; small holiday decorations (either bought or handmade) for patient rooms; small and medium sized soft blankets; holiday stockings; and drawings to decorate patient rooms and nursing stations.

Additionally, handwritten cards or letters from kids or adults to veterans or medical staff are appreciated. Should you wish to send a card or letter, Connor suggests sharing a little about yourself, offer well wishes, and thank the veterans for their service. Include your first name only and your town.

This is Connor’s second community service project that focuses on supporting our military and veterans. This past summer Connor, a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, spearheaded a letter writing campaign for deployed military personnel. He collected over 90 letters from the local community.

His grandfathers served in the Korean War, which sparked his interest in the military.

For additional information, Connor can be reached at 203-595-1846 or ckwarcinski@icloud.com.