Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The Southbury Needy Fund started back in 1977, when a group of employees at the Southbury Town Hall - Pam Dudzic, Mary Finley, Angela Rogers, and Sharon Lieber, together with Southbury’s Treasurer, Paul Smith - saw an opportunity to spread Christmas cheer by purchasing presents of new clothing and toys for Southbury children who might have had a bleak holiday due to their family’s financial situation.

By Christmas 1983 the program was helping a total of 104 children from 47 Southbury families, receiving donations from individuals, churches, local clubs, and organizations. By this time, it had become apparent that there was need for a private non-profit fund to assist families with extenuating situations throughout the year. Staff at Southbury Social Services were encountering residents who required help during difficult financial times, and these needs could not be met by any other organization. Exigent requests ranged from emergency car repairs, rental assistance, or furnace repairs, to medication, gas, newborn layettes, disposable diapers, clothing for school, and other necessities. In response, Southbury Social Services staff had began interviewing families to understand their needs, and then, when able, referring their requests to the Fund for assistance.
As more community residents and organizations came forward to help, and as the Fund expanded its outreach program, the name was changed from Southbury Children's Christmas Fund to the Southbury Needy Fund, Inc. The primary goal of the Fund would still be the Annual Christmas Program, but we would now also formally include ongoing referrals for town residents from Social Services. A local attorney, Gail McTaggart, Esq. donated her services to write up incorporation papers, and the application was made to the IRS charity status. In January of 1984, the Southbury Needy Fund, Inc. 501(c)(3) charity was born.

Now 47 years since its modest beginnings, the Southbury Needy fund has connected countless Southbury residents to cheer and hope, and most of all, to a caring community, embraced by businesses, churches, schools, civic groups, our own Southbury Social Services, Senior Services, and Police Departments, and scores and scores of generous individuals.

Last year, Southbury Needy Fund gifted items for 153 children from 66 families in need. Throughout every year, in coordination with Southbury's Social Services, Food Bank, Fuel Bank and others, the Fund provides emergency assistance for utilities, rents, car repairs, pharmacy needs, medical and dental bills, eye exams and eyeglasses, school-organized trips, and town-sponsored summer programs. Qualified students pursuing a college degree receive gift cards to help defray the cost of books and other education expenses.

This season, with your help, we will brighten the holidays for our neighbors once more.

Southbury Police Department is holding its annual Holiday Gift Drive. Drop off any wish list item (Art Supplies, Water Bottles, Games, Puzzles, Building Sets, Sporting Equipment, Bath & Beauty Products, etc.) in front of

Michaels and Ulta in SOUTHBURY PLAZA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024

Items can also be dropped off at the Police Station (421 Main St. S) until Dec 6th.

We also welcome MONETARY DONATIONS AND GIFT CARDS! Monetary gifts are put toward winter boots, jackets, and wish list items. Checks should be made payable to Southbury Needy Fund, Inc. Gift cards to local eateries and shops also make nice gifts for our teens and pre-teens (Mail checks or gift cards to Southbury Needy Fund, PO Box 72, Southbury, CT 06488.)

SPONSORS! Individuals, Families, Churches, schools, organizations, businesses, scout troops, neighborhood groups, and others can sponsor one or more children.

Sponsors provide the following items:
*Two Outfits (shirt, pants, socks, underwear)
*One Sleepwear Set (pajamas, nightgown or long underwear)
*One Warm Top (fleece top, sweatshirt, or sweater)
*One Winter Hat and Pair of Gloves / Mittens.

Sponsors are welcome to also include other gift items (books, toys, arts and crafts, gift cards, etc.) if you so desire.

Email sbyneedy@gmail.com for details. We will provide you with a child’s age, gender, size, and other preferences, or a wish list for a particular child.

ONLINE SHOPPING: Donate a special item from our Wish Lists on Amazon and Target. Each of these items are handpicked to ensure that all children receive gifts matching their interests and hobbies. Links and QR codes can be found on the website (www.southburyneedyfund.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sbyneedy/)

The Southbury Needy Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization that operates on a year-round basis helping Southbury residents when there are no other resources available.