A Chance to Help Canton's Neediest

As Canton Chamber of Commerce members gathered last week, there was more than networking on the minds of many. 

While there were many chances to talk with other members as Canton Valley Dental hosted a Business After Hours, chamber officials also emphasized a dire need for Gifts for Canton, the organization's holiday drive for the less fortunate in town. 

"The chamber is in real need for its exclusive charity," said president Michael D'Apice. "There's a lot of folks here in Canton that are food insecure." 

Each year the chamber runs its Gifts for Canton drive to help the less fortunate provide gifts for their children. Those involved say the number who need help can be surprising. 

The effort, which runs through Dec. 8, involves boxes throughout town where people can donate toys. In addition, the effort involves purchasing gift cards, both for presents and clothing for kids and essentials such as groceries. 

In its in this area where the chamber is looking for the most help, still needing about $3,500 as of Sunday night, drive chairman Ann Gagnon said Sunday. The chamber is seeking monetary donations by Dec. 3.

The Canton Chamber of Commerce charity, Gifts for Canton, is our way of giving back to the town and community that supports our businesses," Gagnon said. "We collect new gifts for all ages and in addition provide gift certificates for food, clothing & books to our Canton neighbors in need." 

Checks can be sent to: 

Questions can be directed to the chamber office at (860) 693-0405 or Gagnon at (860) 693-4988

At the business After Hours Last week, several local business owners offered incentives for those who give. Those included. 

• McDonald's of Canton will provide a free value meal once a week for a year to the first Chamber member who donates $500 to Gifts for Canton 
• ShopRite of Canton will match up to $1,000 for those who purchase ShopRite gift certificates for the effort. 
• The Zoo Health Club in Simsbury will donate a month membership in the Zoo to any Chamber Member who signs up for a membership between now and Jan. 1st, 2014 and donates $50 to Chamber Gifts for Canton.

• Barrios Advertising will provide $1,500 worth of a branding assignment (such as branding consultation, logo/identity design, business card, letterhead, envelope design, etc.) to the first chamber member who matches that with a donation to Gifts for Canton.  

In addition the following events will help the effort:

• Music for a Cause at LaSalle to benefit Gifts for Canton, Sat Nov. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.  
• McDonald's of Canton fundraiser for Gifts for Canton, Dec 1. and Dec. 2 from 5 to 11 a.m. Free cup of coffee for any monetary donation to Gifts for Canton
• Holiday Network & Nosh at Canton Historical Museum, 11 Front St., Dec. 5, 2013, 5 to 8 p.m.: Help raise funds for needy families through the annual Chamber Gifts for Canton. Win a door prize drawing for great merchandise and gift certificates donated by Chamber Member businesses and guests $15 with reservations; walk-in and non-Members: $20. RSVP by Nov. 30 and make secure credit card or PayPal payment at CantonChamberOfCommerce.com. Please bring an unwrapped gift for any age or a gift card from an area retailer that can be used for food or clothes by a local family in need. 
• Stock the Cruiser Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley cash donations, gifts for all ages, gift cards, food

Holiday Gifts will be distributed at the Canton Food Bank on Dec. 10. Proof of residency is required. Food Bank clients will be asked to have their intake cards as well. Please contact Ann Gagnon at (860) 693-4988 or the Chamber of Commerce at 693-0405 with questions or requests. Pick up of donations can be arranged. Gifts for Canton is sponsored by the Canton Chamber of Commerce and supported by Focus on Canton, the Town of Canton, the Canton Lions Club, and the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton.

Donations & gift cards can be sent year-round to Gifts for Canton, c/o The Canton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 704, Canton, CT 06019.