The Newtown Lions Club recently expanded its circle and made a donation that will ultimately help Newtown residents. This weekend, the local chapter of the international service organization will also launch two annual projects.

Jennifer Collins is the newest member of the local club.

A licensed attorney since 1998, Collins is a magistrate within the State of Connecticut’s Judicial Branch. She is also a partner at Cramer & Anderson LLP in Danbury. Her work involves personal injury, workers compensation, social security disability and probate court appointments.

Collins also presents claims for disability benefits weekly before administrative law judges at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review within the Social Security Administration.

Further, Collins works with many community groups especially in the disability area, and when she learned that the Lions Club had brought the handicapped playground equipment to Dickinson Park, it sparked her interest in becoming a Lion.

Collins lives in Ridgefield with her husband John and their children, a son and daughter.

Anyone interested in joining Newtown Lions Club is invited to contact Membership Chair Ed Miklaszewski at 203-885-8561.

Salvation Army Donation

The Newtown Lions recently made a donation to the local unit of the Salvation Army.

The unit, in partnership with Town of Newtown Human Services Department, addresses the emergency needs of Newtown residents.

The Salvation Army raises funds through its Red Kettle collections in July and December and from donations from local businesses and organizations. Last year those efforts raised over $10,000.

This year the Salvation Army is experiencing a greater need for donations because of rising costs of basic needs such as energy, car expenses, and food.

For additional information about the local Salvation Army unit and/or to become involved with it, send e-mail to newtownringers@yahoo.com.

Newtown Lions Club can offer donations year-round thanks to its fundraising efforts. Its two annual events are The Great Pootatuck Duck Race and its annual car raffle.

The 2023 Great Pootatuck Duck Race returns to Sandy Hook Center on Saturday, June 3. This year’s big prize is $2,000, with 19 additional prizes lined up.

Tickets are $5 each and are scheduled to go on sale this weekend.

This year’s car raffle is offering one winner a low-mileage 2020 Ford Mustang convertible. Tickets are $10 each, and on sale now.

Visit the club’s website, newtownlions.org, for additional information about each event.

Fourth Annual Food Drive

The Lions will conduct its fourth annual month-long, town-wide food drive to help local food pantries.

Collection baskets will be set up at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, April 2-30.

Donations will be accepted any time the center is open: Saturday and Sunday, 7 am-5 pm; Monday through Thursday, 6 am-9 pm; and Friday, 6 am-8 pm.

Among the items requested are canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned tuna, sardines, beef stew, corned beef hash, Chef Boyardee products, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, hearty canned soups, canned black/kidney beans, peanut butter, jelly, hot and cold cereal, pancake mix and syrup.

Also in need is cake mix, frosting, brownie mix, flour, corn meal, sugar, condiments. Assorted juices are always needed.

Snack items such as granola bars, peanut butter/cheese crackers and fun size snack items would be very helpful for after school programs and camps.

In addition to food items the pantries are in need of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorants, hand soap, laundry and dishwashing detergent, toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels.

“The community has been very generous to the previous ones that were held before,” organizers said via press release.