Nearly two dozen Newtown families still need help from the public as Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season approaches.

According to Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) member Many Monaco, who contacted The Newtown Bee on November 18, there are 20 families still up for “adoption” through the WIN Thanksgiving Basket program.

WIN coordinates with Newtown Social Services throughout the holiday season, seeking individuals, organizations, and school groups to “adopt” each family and provide food, toiletries, and paper goods for Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season.

Some families have pets or specific dietary requirements, and some families will require special items such as diapers for young children. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community and to educate children about helping those in need.

This year WIN expects to provide for as many as 70 families in town.

Contact coordinator Mandy Monaco at 203-426-5600, and ask about adopting a family or making a donation.

All collections of food and goods for a family should be delivered to Newtown United Methodist Church, at 92 Church Hill Road, on Friday, November 21, between noon and 4 pm.

Newtown High School students (“WIN-terns”) will help WIN members assemble baskets for families during the late afternoon hours.

The families will pick up their gifts and baskets later that evening.