Families United in Newtown (FUN) hosted their annual “Valentines for the Troops” breakfast Saturday, February 1, at Newtown Congregational Church. Over 120 FUN members enjoyed a morning filled with music, dancing, card making, and breakfast served with a smile from community volunteers. Attendees, dressed in their PJs, enjoyed pancakes served with butter, strawberries, and warmed pure maple syrup with bacon and sausage that was donated by Blue Colony Diner.

Twenty-eight Newtown National Honor Society volunteers helped mentor and support the children, teens, and adults with special needs to ensure a safe and engaging morning activity focused on an uplifting social and emotional experience. During the event, participants made Valentines cards for the air women and men at the US Air Force base in Arizona. The participants made 100 cards and they included messages like “You are a Star.” They were embellished with bright sticker stars, hearts, and star candies to celebrate their service. A hand crocheted “Star Pocket Hug” was also included in each Valentine Card.

The Newtown Lions Club also made an appearance during the event to present its yearly donation to FUN for $2,000 to help support future programming, such as the 12th Annual Autism Awareness Benefit Concert that will be held on Saturday, March 29. The theme this year is Back to the 90s: Rockin’ for Autism, and the event will include an appetizer, dinner, dessert, and musical performances.

For more information or to donate, visit FUN on Facebook, Families United in Newtown, or go to the website, familiesunitedinnewtown.org.