As The Newtown Fund was preparing this week for Depot Day, the culmination of its annual Holiday Basket Program during which families in need are provided gifts and other items that will make their lives brighter, one Sandy Hook family was continuing a special tradition of its own.

Since 2008, Sandy Hook resident Rosemary Trudell has organized a collection of toys and children’s clothing among the residents of Walnut Tree Village II. Her granddaughters have always helped with collecting and organizing the items for her, but older granddaughter Julia is at college this year and unable to help for the first time. This year it was just Mrs Trudell’s younger granddaugher, Haley, helping to organize and check on all the gifts that had arrived. 

The dining room table of the condo where Rosemary and George Trudell live was filled to overflowing on Wednesday, December 11. Many of the Trudells’s neighbors were able to donate plenty of toys, books, games, and even clothing again this year.

“The Newtown Fund asked for lots of presents for teenagers this year,” said Mrs Trudell. “I think they’ll be very happy with what we will be sending over.”

Depot Day was scheduled for Saturday, December 14, at Fraser-Woods School.