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11/16/2016 09:26 AM

Branford's 6th Annual Christmas Caddy Coming Soon


Toys will be collected at sites including Branford Walmart during the Sixth Annual Christmas Caddy to benefit children of families supported by Branford Counseling Center.Photo Courtesy Angelo, Pantani and Fowler families.

Christmas.  When the word comes to mind, many think about the abundant gifts, delicious food, and incredible memories. However, for many others, even in the quaint community of Branford, the thought of Christmas is tied to worry. It is a financially demanding holiday, and there are children in our own town who have nothing to open on Christmas morning.

This is why , six years ago, the Christmas Caddy was born, said Maggie Angelo, a Branford High School senior who is organizing the Sixth Annual Christmas Caddy toy collection as her BHS Senior Project.

"The Christmas Caddy is in memory grandfather, Bruce Pantani, the man that instilled the values of giving in my family," said Angelo.

A cherished community volunteer, Bruce Pantani died of cancer in 2008.

"When he could barely afford to give to his own family, he gave to the less fortunate, especially during Christmas. For over 40 years Bruce and my grandmother Johanne Pantani have donated toys, gifts and food through the Branford Counseling Center to help children in our town," said Angelo.

The Christmas Caddy collection in honor of Bruce Pantani continues with the efforts of members of the Angelo, Pantani and Fowler families.

"For my senior project and with the help of my family we hope to continue carrying on his legacy of giving. We believe everyone has the ability to make a child's Christmas better and the Christmas Caddy is the first step!" said Angelo.

The family will be collecting toys, cash, and gift card donations in Pantani's 1965 cherry red Cadillac de Ville, then deliver them to the Branford Counseling Center. Cash donations will be used to purchase gifts for children in need.

Collections will take place at Branford Walmart and on the Branford town green on following days and times: Branford Walmart, Friday Nov. 25, Saturday, Nov. 26 and Sunday Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.  Branford green (in front of Town Hall) Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ; with special guests the BHS Music Makers singing Christmas Carols at noon.