When a gunman murdered 20 children and 6 faculty members at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school on Dec. 14, 2012, the public responded to the tragedy with an outpouring of support.
Now, Newtown is showing its gratitude for the kindness of strangers.
Officials will be holding a “Community Giveaway” Feb. 24 to distribute the thousands of gifts sent to the town following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The goal will be to give the toys, school supplies and other items to town residents, “as was intended by their donors,” according to a press release issued this month.
Just before Christmas, the town held a similar giveaway, giving toys to the children of Newtown, including some at local hospitals.
Newtown has been deluged with gifts, including tens of thousands of teddy bears and Barbie dolls, as well as soccer balls, artwork and school supplies, USA Today reported.
The outpouring of support prompted Newtown officials to ask the public in January to stop sending gifts, which the small town had been struggling to manage.
The remaining gifts have been stored in a local warehouse.
The giveaway will be held at the Reed Intermediate School. Families with students at Sandy Hook Elementary School will be allowed in at noon. The giveaway will be open to all town residents at 3 p.m.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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