St Rose Toy Closet Is Open For Business… Collection Drive On Dec. 20 Will Help Many More Have A Better Christmas

The Knights of Columbus Council 185 opened its Toy Closet to the greater Newtown community for the holiday season this week and on Monday night alone, the Knights handed out more than 1,500 toys.

During these challenging economic times, the Knights hope to bring smiles to children and provide assistance to those in need of a helping hand. The Toy Closet is stocked throughout the year due to the generous donations of parishioners and The Toy Tree in Sandy Hook. Knights sort and store toys and gifts that are made available to infants through teens. These items are available year-round and most are distributed during the Christmas season.

The Toy Closet will again be open at the new hall at St Rose School, 46 Church Hill Road, on Monday, December 22. From 6 to 9, soft Christmas music and a few Christmas decorations will convey a feeling of warmth while adults and children select toys of their choice.

A few Knights will be on hand to help carry out gifts. Confidentiality is assured. All are welcome and gift wrapping will be available.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Toy Closet may do so by dropping off any new, unwrapped toys in the vestibule of St Rose Church anytime between now and December 22. Large boxes donated by Curtis Packaging will be set up for collections.

A most pressing need is for gifts suitable for teenage boys and girls.

A collection drive has also been scheduled for Saturday, December 20, from noon until 3 pm, at The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road. The is an especially strong need for gifts and certificates suitable for teenagers.

Gifts will be used for the Toy Closet open house or will be sent to various hospitals, schools, and shelters. St Rose Church and the Knights of Columbus continue to help a mission in still-hurricane ravaged Mississippi, which is the recipient of hundreds of toys from the Toy Closet.

For further information or any questions contact Bob Buchanan (426-6195), Tim Reilly (270-1838), or the St Rose Parish Office at 426-1014.