Stuff the Stocking starts new year

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE November in Chicopee means high school football, Thanksgiving celebrations and the annual Jimmy's Stuff the Stocking Campaign to raise money to help out needy children, families and seniors during the holidays.

The homegrown charity was started by the late James Stefanik in response to needs he saw among children in the Chicopee schools. Last year, 57 seniors, 825 children and 340 families were helped by the donations made by area residents.

The charity's organizing committee needs about $30,000 to accommodate this year's needs, committee members Jorge Morgado said during a meeting on Friday. In order to reach that goal, $13,000 in cash and unwrapped gifts will need to be donated.

The first event will be the annual spaghetti supper hosted by the Lodge of Elks on Nov. 15. from 4 to 7 p.m. The meal will include spaghetti, meatballs, salad, roll and beverage and will cost $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children under 12. Children under the age of three are free. Tickets will be available from committee members and at the door.

The Breakfast with Santa at the Moose Family Center is the next event on Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. More details will be released closer to the date.

The committee is also sponsoring a bus trip to see the Boston Celtics play the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 12. The bus will leaves the Moose Family Center at 4:30 p.m. and will cost $75 per person. As of press time there were 30 spots open on the bus. To buy tickets and to get more information, call 530-1625.

Morgado said the charity which has its non-profit status helps Chicopee residents throughout the year. The Celtic trip is to help the child of the late Chicopee High School teacher Christine M. DoCarmo.

For more information on how individuals and businesses can help this year's campaign, call 594-3417.