As horses and riders passed by, attendees applauded at the December 12 Jingle Bell Horse Parade to Fairfield Hills.

Children on the sidewalk were spellbound or asked parents gleefully about the animals.

And The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) and Newtown Bridle Lands horses, riders, and volunteers were just part of the mid-day event.

2GHG and Newtown Bridle Lands invited the public ahead of the event to join them at Fairfield Hills to support the Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) Chore Services efforts.

There was no fee, but donations of nonperishable food items and sundries were requested, and the collection was organized by FONS Chore Services for the benefit of FAITH Food Pantry.

Volunteers for the organizations were festively attired as people brought donations to a large collection space. Frosty the Snowman was spotted alongside an elf and many others.

For information about recruiting efforts for the 2GHG contact 2GHG First Sergeant Farina at 203-746-6080 for more details. For additional information about FONS Chore Services, visit friendsofnewtownseniors.org, then click on Current Initiative, and then Chore Service Program. To see a list of specific requests from FAITH Food Pantry visit newtownfoodpantry.org and click on Donations.

Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.