Newtown Juniors Hoping To Fill Many Easter Baskets

The Newtown Junior Women’s Club receives collections throughout the year to help promote its programs that support the community and is now working on Easter baskets and Easter holiday items for needy children. Jim Marcucilli, owner of Berkshire Motors, is the first merchant to sign on to be an official donation site for NJWC’s Easter collection.

Residents are invited to drop off Easter basket donations at Berkshire Motors, at 25 Berkshire Road (opposite the high school), any time between now and the Easter holiday. According to NJWC President Christine Grabowski, residents are welcome to donate anything that will help fill a basket or even a full basket.

“It can be either or,” she said. “Single items to a full basket; we will gladly accept any donation.”

As an added incentive, anyone donating a basket will receive a voucher from Berkshire Motors that can be used for a $19.95 oil and filter service (regularly priced at $39.95).

“Jim is a great community supporter,” said Christine Wright, a member of NJWC who met with Mr Marcucilli on March 2 to deliver signs that drivers will be able to see from the roadway. Mr Marcucilli will accept donations for the Easter Basket program any time Berkshire Motors is open: Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 9 am until noon. The club is asking that all donations be dropped off by noon Saturday, March 31.

As a member of the statewide Connecticut Junior Women, Inc, Newtown’s club has joined forces to support Covenant to Care for Children as its current four-year project affiliation. Based in Hartford, Covenant to Care is a nonprofit organization that works with faith communities to meet the needs of abused, neglected and impoverished children and teens across the state. NJWC hopes to raise awareness of the organization through fundraising efforts.

NJWC conducts special collections throughout the year to help support the club’s “Big 3” programs, which are Discovery Science Workshops, Back-to-School Backpacks and Tag-A-Gift holiday toy program, all of which benefit the children of Newtown.

The Newtown Junior Women’s Club is a nonprofit organization, comprising women 18 years of age or older and a member of the statewide Connecticut Junior Women, Inc. Members combine their time, talents and energies to benefit the community by promoting civic, cultural, educational and social activities.

The club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street, at 7:30 pm. Meetings are always open to women interested in learning more about volunteering.

For additional information about the club, its regular projects and even Covenant to Care for Children, visit NewtownJuniorWomen.com.

Big Bubbles And Fun

Another way Newtown Junior Women’s Club raises funds for its civic programs is through annual fundraisers. The club offers spring flower sales, fall mum sales, cookbooks, a chocolate festival and, later this month, BubbleMania, a family fun show.

Bubblemania 2012, featuring Casey Carle, will be performed Sunday, March 25, at Newtown Middle School. Performances will be at 1 and 3 pm. Attendees will enjoy bubble science, bubble tricks and fun, and learn “the art of bubbleology.”

Admission is $8, or $30 for four patrons. Tickets will be available at the door, but are also available in advance at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street. Reservations may be made by sending a check payable to NJWC to PO Box 217, Botsford CT 06404. For additional information contact Meri Jitsukawa at 203-270-3767.