Nonprofit in Derby helps to make Easter brighter for Valley needy

More than $55K in food and gifts distributed

Colorful Easter baskets were distributed to more than 100 families Wednesday at St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley in Derby. / Contributed photo

Clients line up outside SVDP in Derby Wednesday for Easter dinner fixings and baskets. / Contributed photo

By Cindy Barbian
SVDP Thrift Shop Manager
DERBY - More than 100 Valley families received assistance Wednesday from St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley at its annual Easter distribution.
The total amount of the distribution was $55,691.
As in previous years Jim Guarrera and his crew from Carey and Guarrera Real Estate in Shelton carried bags of food to clients waiting in their cars.
Sandi Bailie, director, and I handed out brightly-wrapped Easter baskets filled with candy and toys.

Each family received five bags of non-perishable groceries, and a sixth bag, which included lettuce, celery, cantaloupe, carrots, bacon, kielbasa, bologna, American cheese, hot dogs, ground beef, butter, bread, and a fresh-baked pie.

They also received a gallon of milk, a bag of potatoes, a bag of onions, a spiral ham, and a $10 grocery store gift card.

Colorful Easter baskets and candy bags were given to everyone.

The fresh produce, meat, and dairy products were purchased by the agency.
The non-perishable foods were collected during food drives held at local churches.

Donations of the Easter baskets and candy came from individuals, churches, and organizations throughout the Valley.

A local church donated funds that enabled the agency to purchase the hams.

For information about St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley, or to volunteer, call 203-734-7577.



A big thank you goes out to Cindy Barbian for sending along the release and photos.

Save the date: Derby Day is June 27

Seymour students raise $307 for animal shelter

Pictured are Seymour Middle School students Joshua Magri, Taylor Dauphinais, Olivia D’Antona, Madeline Coco, Mackenzie Foreman, Rachel Moon, and Taylor Andrzejewski, School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella, Seymour Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad, teacher Brian Cleveland, teacher Deborah Esposito, and Seymour Animal Control Officer Deborah Ice. / Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - Members of the Seymour Middle School Small Steps Club Wednesday presented the Seymour Animal Control Officer Deborah Ice with a check for $307.
The students raised the money from a bottle and can drive they recently held at Seymour Middle School.
Club Advisor Brian Cleveland said, “The students’ goal was to collect 6,100 cans and bottles that would be enough to fill 38 contractor-size trash bags. They easily achieved that goal.” 
Club President Taylor Andrzejewski said, “We wanted to raise money for the animal shelter because a majority of the animals left there by their previous owners need some type of medical attention.”  

Once the cans were collected, Club Advisor Deborah Esposito called in Seymour Police School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella and Seymour Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns to coordinate the delivery of the recyclables to a recycling center in Naugatuck.  

The Small Steps Club is a group of students who work together to help those in need in the community. 
Student Madeline Dunham said people should make sure they stop by the Seymour Animal Shelter to find themselves a pet which will be a companion and a lifelong friend.
Seymour Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad praised her students' accomplishment.

This is a press release from Rich Kearns, Seymour Schools Director of Security.


Kudos to the Small Steps Club members for their efforts in raising funds to donate to the town's animal shelter!

    

Paper-making program slated at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will hold an April program at Kellogg Environmental Center on paper making for the entire family. 

The program is free of charge; donations welcome.     

DEEP website photo

Children and adults are invited to come and explore all that is paper at 10:30 a.m. April 25.
Paper is a common material and has a great many uses.  

Participants will begin with a brief look at the history of paper making and learn how to use paper to make a variety of crafts.

Participants will try their hand at making their own paper. Additionally you will be able to recycle paper to make collages, pop-ups, bags, beads, cups, seed starters and other items.

This is a great time to come and explore paper and its many uses and reuses while learning some new craft techniques.    

Dress for mess and bring a reusable bag to take home your collection of items. 

Registration is requested. 

For further information, directions, or to register call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov. 

The Kellogg Environmental Center is at 500 Hawthorne Ave.

This is a press release from DEEP.

Students present Living Stations at Derby church

St. Mary- St. Michael School presented the Living Stations Tuesday in St. Mary Church in Derby. Here Jesus, portrayed by Evan DeLucia, falls a second time, as soldiers Roman Hescock and Alex Rusu, watch. / Submitted photo

Reminder: Run-Walk in Derby is Saturday

3rd annual ride to benefit Seymour-based foundation

The Karli Mae Foundation will hold its third annual Ride for Karli April 12.

The ride will start at the Sherman/Orchard Parking Lot on Legion Avenue in New Haven.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. Kickstands go up at 11:30 a.m.

Cost is $25 per rider; $10 per extra passenger.

A reception will follow at Bar None, 87 Elizabeth St., Derby. The party will include food, drinks, raffles, and live entertainment by Phoenix.

The event benefits the parents of babies being cared for in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Salvation Army in Ansonia to hold 2nd annual breakfast

My husband and I are members of the Advisory Board for the Greater Valley Salvation Army and we hope you'll join us for our second annual breakfast. Last year's event was a big success!