Housy student knows the needs of others

NORTH CANAAN — A new school year is about to start. For many students, the excitement of that beginning is enhanced by a new backpack full of pristine pencils and notebooks. It’s an important encouragement. But it’s not a reality for all students in the region.

Seventeen-year-old Tammy Newell believes it makes a difference, and that she is making a difference with a project she calls “Tools for Schools and Pack the Sack.�

“She had been trying to come up with a way to help the community. She came up with the backpack idea at 1 a.m. one night and she was determined to make it happen,â€� her  mom, Cindy Newell, said. “I am so proud of her.â€�

Cindy and Tammy moved to West Main Street from Ridgefield last year. For many in their situation, just dealing with day-to-day life would be challenge enough. Cindy is a single parent battling cancer. Tammy is a Housatonic Valley Regional High School student whose learning disabilities put her in the special education program. But they are among those special few who realize adversity visits others, too. No one knows better than they what it’s like, and they mean to do something about it.

“I helped at Christmas time with the town’s gift program. It really opened my eyes to what people go through, and how grateful they are for a little help,� Tammy said. “Just to see the moms happy because their kids were getting new toys or clothes was great.�

Tammy recalled how hard it was in the Ridgefield area to afford school supplies. She often headed off to school with only a portion of the supply list the school sent home. Her clothes were usually secondhand.

“I really didn’t mind, but I wanted to make a difference for other kids.�

Tammy set a goal of obtaining and filling 50 backpacks. Not yet realizing the true giving spirit of her new community, she first tried contacting large companies, such as Crayola, for donations.

“They said I didn’t meet their standards for donation. That I wasn’t a nonprofit and all that. I got really bent out of shape for awhile and I didn’t know how to make this work.�

It was Betsy Fox who gave her the needed boost. As Railroad Days approached, the Chamber of Commerce member helped get the word out.

“We made flyers and she put the Chamber of Commerce name on them, so people knew I wasn’t some ordinary kid, that the donations would go to a good cause.�

In just a few short weeks, 50 donated backpacks filled with new school supplies were collected, assembled and ready to be donated. Half are going to North Canaan Elementary School, the other half to Housatonic. Backpacks will be distributed on the basis of need, with the free and reduced lunch programs helping to pinpoint students who will benefit most.

“It’s totally up to the schools to decide,� Tammy said. “It was amazing how people responded. I may do it next year before I go to college. People said they wished I had thought of it sooner. I wondered why no one else had thought of it.�