Charles LaVerdiere, Keith Acedo, Ericka Conlogue, Bill Groder and Ken Wiley met in Wilton Jan. 6 to present a $1000 check to Academy Hill School G.D. Cushing School to purchase mittens, coats and more for children. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

WILTON — On Jan. 6, three members of the Wilton Lions Club visited Academy Hill School to present a $1,000 donation intended for both Academy Hill and G.D. Cushing School. The funds will be used to purchase essential winter clothing items such as mittens, gloves, boots, and snow pants for students in need.

Representing the Lions Club were Charles LaVerdiere, Ken Wiley and Bill Groder. LaVerdiere emphasized the collaborative effort behind the donation. “The Lions Club has a bottle fund,” he said. “Bill and Ken do most, in fact they do all the work collecting the bottles and turning them in and raising money. And that fund is used for various charities in the area, like the Special Olympics, the Wilton Food Bank and something like this.”

LaVerdiere also shared a personal connection, mentioning that his wife worked at Academy Hill School for many years.

The donation was received by Ericka Conlogue, school guidance counselor and Keith Acedo, principal of both Academy Hill School and G.D. Cushing School. Groder presented the check on behalf of the Wilton Lions Club.

“Thank you very much,” Conlogue said, expressing gratitude for the contribution.

Acedo echoed her sentiments, adding, “We greatly appreciate it, thank you very much. We have a lot of students in need.”

Acedo elaborated on the critical role the donation will play in supporting students. “We have a lot of students that will come to the office and need gloves, hats, snow pants, jackets and things like that,” he said. He also noted that the school nurse, counselor, and social worker coordinate efforts to ensure students receive necessary items, with teachers often identifying needs and bringing them to the office’s attention.

The Lions Club’s broader mission of community service is reflected in initiatives like this donation. According to their website, the organization supports vision and hearing programs, youth scholarships and leadership opportunities. They also spearhead health initiatives, environmental projects and disaster relief efforts, tailoring their activities to meet the specific needs of local communities.

This $1,000 donation highlights the Lions Club’s commitment to addressing immediate local needs, ensuring that students in Wilton have access to the winter clothing essential for the cold months ahead.