Community Corner

Good News Berlin: Berlin Youths Raise Money To Give Christmas To Less Fortunate

Tim Cote, Tess McCurdy and Quinn McCurdy ask family and friends to donate to cause instead of buying them Christmas gifts.

 

Editor's Note: It has been a tough few days in Berlin and Connecticut with a lot of bad news. So I vow to publish at least one "Good News Berlin" story until Christmas. These stories will be hopeful and uplifting stories of volunteers who are doing good things or have gone through extreme circumstances to get to the other side. I hope you enjoy these stories and if you have one you think I should write, e-mail me or post a comment. This is the second story in the series.

For the second year in a row, volunteers led by Tess and Quinn McCurdy, and Tim Cote are hosting a holiday party today, Dec. 19, for 87 children and families served by Community Mental Health Affiliates in New Britain. 

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Last year they lost a dear friend, Ryan Lee. In memory of Ryan, they asked their families not for Christmas gifts, but instead donations in order to help throw this party. 

CMHA is a private nonprofit provider of mental health and substance abuse treatment. CMHA provides treatment for more than 7,300 children, adolescents, and adults each year. Visit www.cmhacc.org to learn more.

Find out what's happening in Berlinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"With these gifts and donations we took on the project of providing a Christmas party for children and their families served by Community Mental Health Affiliates in New Britain," Cote said. "We received enough help from our families and friends in the form of donations and the volunteering of time that we were able to provide these needy families with a holiday dinner, gift bags (loaded with toys, scarves, hats, gloves, and lots of other surprises)."

This year the Berlin VFW provided its hall for three days so gifts could be stored and wrapped. The Bar in Newington is providing pizza for the party and Mortensen's, also of Newington is providing ice cream.

The children won't be alone at the party as the group was able to raise enough money and donations to give gifts to siblings and parents as well. There will be an ornament making station as well as music and food and a guest appearance by Santa (Mr. McCurdy). They will also be getting gently used books courtesy of Raising Berlin and the Avon School District.

Teresa and Dan Lee are providing turkeys for all the families through the Ryan T. Lee Foundation.

"With all the tragedy that we have had we need to let these kids and parents enjoy themselves," said Karen Cote, Tim's mother.

Tim said the idea was small to start and in just two years it has taken off.

"We have a lot more people involved and it has grown a lot," said Cote, a student at UConn. "We started it as something to do in memory of Ryan. He loved the holidays and we get these kids in the spirit.

"It's going to be pretty amazing. I remember last year when one kid came up to me and told me it was the best Christmas they'd ever had. Most of these kids and these families don't get to have Christmas so to be able to give it to him is an incredible feeling."

Cote thanked the numerous volunteers who have donated money and time, his family, the McCurdy family, CMHA for giving the group the opportunity and all of those who donated or helped in any way.

 


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