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From The Mitten Tree

To the Editor:

For the sixth year, the Newtown Police Department “Mitten Tree” has truly been a generous “Giving Tree.” Thanks to all for the charitable donations of new hats, mittens, and scarves! The Newtown Social Service Department and the Department of Children and Family Services distributed the over 700 items to those in need — 700! Wow! Hundreds more that last year!

That’s right — in just about a month, over 700 new hats, mittens, and scarves were brought into the Newtown Police Department and placed on and under our Mitten Tree! Many unknown kind citizens dropped off their gifts, many homemade, with a touch of love!

Day by day hats, mittens, and scarves weighted the tree branches. Finally the surplus fell to the tree skirt below and filled that area as well! The additional hats, mittens, and scarves snugly enveloped the base of the tree. Our tree swelled with pride and dazzled its onlookers.

Jean Reilly from Sandy Hook once again handmade beautiful hats and mittens for the tree. And this year Judith Labranche who came from Port Saint Lucie, Fla., to visit her daughter and family in Bethel, got into the spirit and sent nine pair of children’s mittens so the children would have warm hands playing outside this winter. There were so many of you who left hats, mittens, or scarves, but never left a name. You all have made a difference to someone.

Again, on behalf of the Newtown Police Department, I would like to respectfully thank all of you for your unselfish generosity. Thank you for taking part and taking the time out of your busy lives to think about and share with others.

Once again, by us all giving, we have all received!

Humbly,

Officer Maryhelen McCarthy

Newtown Police Department

3 Main Street, Newtown                                            January 10, 2007