Newtown Fund Launches Appeal

The Newtown Fund has begun its annual appeal for the Holiday Basket program, under the direction of its president, Doreen Kostecki.

Each year the Newtown Fund brings a holiday meal and gifts to more than 120 families in Newtown. This year, Rick Mazzariello is leading this annual effort to ensure that no family in Newtown has to go without a holiday celebration.

The late Joseph P. Chase organized the first Holiday Basket project more than 40 years ago. The program has continued through the years because of the efforts of many individuals, organizations, and businesses that volunteer and contribute in a variety of ways. Without this townwide support, the program could not reach out to all of the families that need it.

There are four ways that the community can participate in this year’s Holiday Basket Program. The first is by “adopting” a needy family, by making a commitment to provide a complete holiday meal for a family, and to buy gifts for each family member. The second is by making a financial contribution to the Newtown Fund. The third way is by making donations of food, new clothing, blankets, and new toys. These should be delivered on December 20 before 9:30 am to the Sandy Hook School. Finally, members of the community can volunteer to deliver the holiday baskets to the adopted families on December 20.

To adopt a family or to help deliver holiday baskets, contact Rick Mazzariello at Enrichem Specialties, LLC at 270-9190. Tax deductible contributions, payable to The Newtown Fund, Inc., may be sent to: The Newtown Fund, Inc, PO Box 641, Newtown, CT 06470-0641. Any local family that wishes to be adopted can contact Newtown Social Services at 270-4330.