Jan. 7 Bonfire Benefits the Warm-Up Fund

The bonfire in 2019

The popular Emmanuel Community Bonfire returns this winter at 5:00 pm on Saturday January 7, just in time to say goodbye to Christmas trees while doing good for families in Weston who could use a hand.

Light refreshments are served at the bonfire, which is supervised by the Weston Volunteer Fire Department. It all takes place at Emmanuel Church, 285 Lyons Plain Road.

The event raises money for the Weston Warm-Up Fund by accepting trees for the bonfire in exchange for a suggested donation of either $40 or $30, depending on whether you want to have the tree picked up or drop it off yourself.

You can request a pick-up ($40 suggested) on the Emmanuel Church website or by calling the office: (203) 227-8565. Payment can be made by Venmo @emmanuelweston (the preferred method) or by sending a check payable to Emmanuel Church to Emmanuel Church, 285 Lyons Plain Road,. Weston CT 06883.

Trees can be dropped off ($30 suggested) after January 2nd in the field to the left (north) of the church parking lot.

100 percent of the proceeds go directly to the Weston Warm-Up Fund, which for over a generation has helped families stay warm during the winter by helping to pay oil, gas, or electricity bills.

A head start

The Warm-Up Fund got a much-needed boost on October 29 in a Halloween fundraiser at the Grange organized by Monica Stromwall, Stepan Halkowycz, and Euripides Pelekanos. About 120 people attended, producing a contribution of $3,7012.26 to the Fund.

“Our goal was to bring the community together for an evening out after the pandemic and help our neighbors in need this winter,” said Ms. Stromwall. In the photo below, she (left) and Mr. Halkowycz present the check to Warm-Up Fund chair Darcy Barrera-Hawes.