TEAM Toys 4 Kids makes magic happen for 1,920 children

Who? TEAM Toys 4 Kids is the largest holiday toy drive in the region serving over a thousand children in our region each year. TEAM is a nonprofit human services agency serving the Greater Valley and surrounding region. www.teaminc.org 

What? Due to hardships of the pandemic and the growing need in our community, in 2021, TEAM Toys 4 Kids provided holiday gifts to 1,920 children with the help and support of 534 individual donors, volunteers, and local businesses. TEAM reached more children than ever this year, and it would not have been possible without the support of the entire community. Despite the continuing challenges we face from the COVID-19 pandemic, from the devastating health impacts, to the financial strain on workers and businesses, shipping delays and more, TEAM and our community supporters prevailed in order to bring joy and magic to children in our region. The 2021 TEAM Toys 4 Kids Magic Makers Committee was led by local volunteer leaders Carolyn Cutaneo and Carol Pendagast. Major business sponsors were United Illuminating, the Valley Community Foundation, and Tuttle Insurance Group.

Why? TEAM Toys 4 Kids helps ensure children and families experience the love, joy, and happiness during the holiday season amidst the economic and other challenges we continue to face. At this time of year, parents face difficult choices between providing food, paying for rent, diapers, utilities, and more, on top of giving gifts to their children. And there’s the stigma and anxiety among the kids less fortunate in school and childcare settings – in other words, the “haves” and the “have nots” being amplified by how benevolent the Holiday Season was for some kids but not for others… These memories for children can impact a child’s world experiences for years ahead and have an immeasurable emotional & social impact. What seems like a simple toy drive actually impacts children far beyond what we can imagine. 

        TEAM is proud to continue to Make Magic Happen for children each holiday season.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc. in Derby.

Ansonia Library offers Take & Make craft supplies

ANSONIA - The supplies and instructions for this sweet ballerina are available in the Children's Room at Ansonia Library as part of our Take & Make Series.

Kits are limited so stop in soon! The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.

This is shared from The Children's Room Facebook Page.

 

Technology is wonderful when it works

Today I was unable to sign into my desktop computer - which explains why I didn't post anything on the blog.

Finally able to use it tonight. Phew! 

Derby Neck Library to host virtual program about birds of prey

DERBY - This virtual program presented by Derby Neck Library will feature Mary-Beth Kaeser of Horizon Wings introducing us to some of her feathered friends! 

We'll learn about the characteristics and behaviors of birds of prey like eagles, hawks, and owls and what makes them so special compared to other birds. 

All of the raptors at Horizon Wings are rescues, so we will hear their individual stories as well. Join us for wings full of fun and wonder!

Registration is required for this event to receive the Zoom link - please register on the Derby Neck Library website here:  https://derbynecklibrary.org/events/horizon-wings-2/

Also be sure to sign up for our Youth Services mailing list so you're always in the loop about our programs and events! 

Click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/sEwn2WRNekRyDg1K9 

This is shared from a Derby Neck Library event page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 ... at 4:40 p.m. Have a peaceful evening.

Valley committee to host virtual celebration of MLK Day

 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights downtown Derby during Blizzard of 1888

Turnback Tuesday looks back at the Great Blizzard of 1888, a storm which paralyzed the entire Northeast.

Connecticut received between 20 and 50 inches throughout the state. This picture was taken outside Birmingham Drug Store at 211 Main St., Derby. C. H. Coe was the druggist, while G. H. Harding was Drug Clerk.

The photo is looking west on Main Street across from Minerva Street. The building on the corner is where Derby City Hall parking lot is today.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.