n the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, many of us are asking how we can help. Not everyone can donate financially, or assist physically in CT. However that doesn’t mean that you can’t help out!

The National PTA and the Connecticut PTSA recently met with the PTA leaders of all the schools in Newtown. From their brainstorming session, several new project were conjured up. The first one to implement is to Welcome Students to a Winter Wonderland! When school resumes for Sandy Hook students, they will head to a new building. Parents and other volunteers would like to welcome the students back with the entire new building decorated as a winter wonderland. This is where you come in!

They are asking people all over the nation to create a unique snowflake(s) to send in for the decor. It can be as fancy as you want, or just simply the old-fashion way with a plain white piece of paper. So what do you think? Let’s be as creative as possible and do our part to help create a wonderland for the Sandy Hook students. Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike.

Where to Send the Snowflakes:

The Connecticut PTSA requested that you send your home-made snowflakes by January 12, 2013. Physical mailing information:
The Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

I still tear up any time I see a reference. My heart breaks and I can’t even being to imagine. Yesterday I left early because I just couldn’t wait any longer to wrap my arms about my little man and just hold him tight. His laugh and giggles have been nothing but sweet music and I went to bed that so grateful and thankful that I was able to tuck him safely into bed that night.

I’ve been left wondering how can I help… How can I help even bring the littlest bit assistance to them? I’ve seen funds set up all over the place, but it has been hard to tell which is real and which is fraud.

According to CNN, the official fund for victims’ families, and the community as a whole is The Sandy Hook School Support Fund. This fund has been set up by the United Way of Western Connecticut. All donations will go directly to those affected and will provide support services to families.

Additionally, The Red Cross has been currently in Newtown, offering food and water to the first responders, as well as setting up an emergency center for grief counseling on site. The Newtown Parent Connection is currently working to bring in extra counselors to the community to help parents and family cope with this horrific tragedy. Newtown Youth and Family Services is accepting donations which they claim will go directly to those affected. They are a The nonprofit mental health clinic that offers grief counseling services.

If you live in the area, and would like to volunteer in the efforts to help the community, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection says to call 211 or (800) 203-1234.

Again, prayers and thoughts to everyone reading this. Let’s continue to hug our babies, say I Love You‘s, and cherish the precious moments this holiday season and on.