children for many years. (Contributed photo)
For nearly 50 years, Southbury families in need of a helping hand during the holidays have been given just that.
And while the name may be different as of this year, the local nonprofit’s mission is still the same.
The effort continues this year as Southbury Helping Hands (formerly the Southbury Needy Fund) launches its annual campaign to bring joy and holiday cheer to local children and families.
The name change now better reflects the nonprofit’s original mission, organizers say.
The annual fundraising campaign is currently underway and will last through the first week of December.
Started in 1977 by Southbury Town Hall employees, the organization was then known as the “Southbury Children’s Christmas Fund”. The name was changed again in January 1984, when the organization became officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Their most recent name change, to Southbury Helping Hands, became official this February.
Last year, the nonprofit organization coordinated gifts, clothing, winter coats, and boots for 145 children in 64 families. Residents, churches, schools, clubs, and businesses are once again invited to participate in this vital community event.
This year, two-thirds of recipients are middle-school age or older. Gift cards to local shops, eateries, and gas stations are highly appreciated items and make for wonderful stocking stuffers.
Monetary donations are not only essential, but also allow volunteers to purchase specific, personalized gifts, like a warm winter coat and a new pair of boots for every child.
Wish list items can be purchased online through the nonprofit’s registries at Amazon and Target.com. Simply search “Southbury Helping Hands” or use the links or QR codes on the website and the nonprofit’s Facebook page. These gifts can be shipped directly to the nonprofit or dropped off during the Southbury Police Toy Drive.
The annual Police Toy Drive will take place between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28th, in front of T.J. Maxx at the Southbury Plaza (100 Main Street North). New, unwrapped items, as well as monetary donations and gift cards, will be collected here. Need a gift idea? Email southburyhelpinghands@gmail.com for tailored suggestions.
Sponsors are needed to provide essential clothing for children ranging in age from 2 to 19. Each sponsored child receives two warm outfits, an additional sweatshirt or sweater, pajamas, underwear, socks, a winter hat, and gloves or mittens.Sponsors are welcome to include other gift items as well. Please email southburyhelpinghands@gmail.com if you would like to sponsor one or more children. You will receive specific size, color and style preferences so that you can shop with confidence.
Checks can be made payable to Southbury Helping Hands and mailed to PO Box 72, Southbury, CT 06488. Online contributions can be made at the nonprofit’s brand new website: www.southburyhelpinghands.org
The Southbury Needy Fund d/b/a Southbury Helping Hands is a 501c3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization that operates on a year-round basis helping Southbury residents when there are no other resources available.
The Southbury Record 