Canton Chamber Hosts Holiday Party

The Canton Chamber of Commerce held its annual holiday party at the Canton Historical Museum Monday evening. In addition to the festive atmosphere amidst the museum's exhibits and Gallery of Trees, an event raffle also benefitted Gifts for Canton. 

In fact the Holiday Gift/Toy drive, sponsored by the chamber and supported by Focus on Canton, the Canton Lions Club, and the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton, is off to a slow start, organizer Ann Gagnon said. She said the earliness of the drive is likely a factor but there is still time to help. 

On Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Canton Police Department on Saturday, will host a "Stock the Cruiser" at the Shoppes at Farmington Valley. Gift collection boxes are also spread throughout town. 

"Hopefully things will come in but right now the boxes are empty," Gagnon said. 

Having purchased many $25 gift cards for ShopRite and Kohl's, Gagnon said cash donations would also be very helpful. Checks for be made to Gifts for Canton, c/o The Canton Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 704, Canton, CT 06019 or dropped off at the organization's new office at Canton Village, Bldg 1 — upstairs from Henry Bahre Real Estate.

Last year, the gifts distribution helped 432 people, Gagnon said. 

"I am anticipating a lot more this year," Gagnon said. 

Holiday Gifts will be distributed at the Canton Food Bank on Dec. 11. Proof of residency is required. Please contact Ann Gagnon at (860) 693-4988 or the Chamber of Commerce at (860) 693-0405 with questions or requests. Pick up of donations can be arranged.