To the Editor:lbatescpa@aol.com of 203-442-4045. Please visit www.thenewtownfund.org for more information.

The Newtown Fund began in 1959 with the objective of assisting Newtown families in need. The fund is a small organization with a large mission. It is a source of funds for Newtown Social Services when a resident requires aid and all other possibilities have been exhausted. The organization is served by a board of eight volunteers.

The largest endeavor of the fund is Depot Day, a December Holiday Basket program that provides gifts and food for over 200 Newtowners. The recipients of the holiday baskets are Newtown residents who have been approved by Social Services. Many generous individuals and organizations "adopt" these families or individuals and secure the items for the holiday baskets. Two Saturdays before Christmas (December 16 this year) the fund volunteers arrive at the Fraser Woods School and something magical happens. The "baskets" are dropped off by the adopters, checked by volunteers, and additional donated items and gift certificates are added. The Fraser Woods School gym takes on the appearance of a box store warehouse. The "baskets" are then loaded into cars and driver volunteers deliver them.

Coordinating this program entails the organizational skills of one person. The phone calls from people wishing to adopt a family begin as early as October. The coordinator works closely with Social Services to ensure the success of the process.

The fund faces four challenges in 2017 and beyond if it is to remain a viable organization.

1. The Holiday Basket Coordinator is stepping down prior to the 2018 Depot Day and a replacement for this position is needed. Without a coordinator the program (and the Newtown Fund itself) could be in jeopardy. A new coordinator must be in place prior to this season's Holiday Basket program to "shadow" the current coordinator. We need to fill this position immediately.

2. More volunteers to adopt families are needed.

3. The board needs to expand beyond is present eight members. This does not require a large commitment of time as only two yearly meetings are held. Finalizing details of Depot Day begins the early part of December and ends with the basket program.

4. The final challenge is the year-around need for cash donations. There is a need all year for items such as fuel assistance and medical emergencies for qualifying individuals and families.

Volunteering for any of these aspects of the Newtown Fund is a rewarding opportunity to help your fellow Newtowners.

If this resonates with you, I can be reached at

Thank you,

Linda Bates, President

54 South Main Street, Newtown         July 10, 2017