Pictured from left in 2017: Ross James, Jennifer Sneider, and John Mudgett of J Cuts, Shelton; Amy LaChomia of TEAM, Inc., Derby and Ansonia; and Joy DeMarchis./ Contributed photo
This is taken from a press release from drive organizers.
SHELTON - Once again, J-Cuts barber shop is opening its doors welcoming stuffed monkeys for children in need of smiles and a new friend to warm their hearts on Valentine’s Day.
During the past 11 years, more than 10,832 plush monkeys have been collected and distributed to children.
This annual community event benefits abused and neglected children, impoverished, adopted and sick children, children involved in domestic police situations, as well as children who may feel a little left out when a younger sibling is born and children treated for cancer or other illnesses at local hospitals.
Jennifer Sneider, owner of J-Cuts barber shop at 505 Howe Ave., organizes the drive every year. She said she is always amazed by the outpouring of kindness from the community.
Donations may be dropped off or mailed to J-Cuts from now through Feb. 10.
“Every year more and more people join in,” Sneider said. “Now that this collection is well established, monkeys find their way to J-Cuts throughout the year. When people see stuffed monkeys for sale, they think of children in need.”
“This is my eighth year being involved,” Sneider said. “We have so much fun. My customers, co-workers and family all love to get involved! We decorate the barber shop in anticipation of a whole bunch of monkeys moving in for a little while. It is an amazing feeling to know each and every one of these monkeys will find comfort in the arms of a child in need and children will find comfort in these monkeys.”
Barb’s Corner Consignment, 25 West Main St., Ansonia, is collecting again this year.
Also collecting is the newly opened Country Cottage gift shop, 710 Derby Ave., which is conveniently located off of route 8 north, exit 20, in Seymour.
Last year, for a fourth year in a row, the Milford Fire Department dropped off donations along with Bright Horizons child care center, 3 Corporate Drive.
Children benefited by the drive last year are served by the Lower Naugatuck Valley (Shelton) Boys & Girls Club, Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, TEAM Inc. in Derby and Ansonia; and BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services in Ansonia.
J-Cuts also coordinates an Annual Back-To-School Book Bag & School Supply Drive which begins July 1t.
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