Briarcliff Resident, Business Aim to 'Heal Newtown'

In the wake of December's tragedy in Newtown, CT, folks from around the region and country have been looking for ways to give back.

For one Briarcliff Manor resident, her specific skill set and profession will do so in a direct and impactful way.

"I have been teaching card-making classes [for years]," shared Linda Sugrue of It's From Me. "I do after-school programs, Girl Scouts programs; it's a very unique art class."

On April 20, Sugrue will be bringing her program to Newtown through non-profit Healing Newtown. The organization was created through the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC), which donated a space for the cause, to bring arts into the town's healing process.

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"It was started post-the tragedy [as a place] where folks are able to donate their art classes and workshops in this new art space they have created," Sugrue explained. "It's almost like a facility where they are now providing—free of charge for the community members of Newtown—art classes, workshops and performances. Really fabulous things."

Sugrue said she was "thrilled" when Healing Newtown invited her to teach a class.

"I teach children through my classes," she said. "I witness the joy and really the celebration of childhood and the simply joy of creating with their hands. We really need to promote this type of childhood enjoyment."

Sugrue also hopes to bring some donated supplies needed for the new space when she arrives later this month.

"I asked Healing Newtown, 'What specific donations are you looking for?'" she explained. "I thought folks would be a little more inclined to donate if they know what the organization needs."

The list, which requests items ranging from pens and pencils to a refrigerator, has been whittled down to the more manageable items that Sugrue can bring with her to Newtown ("Anything I can fit in my car," she said.).

And she recently brought the donation bin and list to Value Drugs, where it will stay until the 19th.

"Everyone knows Value Drugs. Everyone loves Value Drugs," she said. "[Manager Anthony Bozzi] was very supportive of it and he said he would even contribute to the donation list as well."

This gesture, Sugrue hopes, will encourage residents to give back in some small way.

"These folks have dealt with unspeakable tragedy. I can't imagine not being able to kiss your child goodnight ever," she reflected. "This is something small that folks can do to make them feel good and make them feel like they are contributing."

For a full list of items needed, visit Sugrue's blog.