Christmas Inflatables Display To Help Newtown

Though there has been some discussion about whether the holiday-themed inflatables set up in Charlestown's Preservation Park are "too much," criticism isn't deterring the people who put them there.

In fact, the Charlestown residents behind the display—who have chosen to remain anonymous—are now using the colorful figures to raise some money to send to the community of Newtown, CT, showing support following the Dec. 14 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

"Since there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support, we have decided from one small town which we call Charlestown, MA to another small town called Newtown, CT, all donations we have received [to help fuel the gas-powered generator] and proceeds from the sale of [related] T-shirts will go to the children of that town," one Charlestown resident wrote in an email to Patch.

In addition, donation jars have been set up at The Cooperative Bank and at Toni Ann's Sub Shop in Charlestown and will be accepted at least through early January. An exact deadline is still being determined, according to an email from Tom Coots, assistant vice president of Cooperative Bank.

The below letter was submitted by a Charlestown resident regarding the display and the fundraising efforts:

You hear the phrase, “there is magic in Christmas,” that it is “the most wonderful time of the year,” and yet we run around and stress ourselves out so much that we forget to enjoy the simple things in life. 

So this year we decided to spread a little joy and happiness with a few inflatables that we put up in our town square. And what a gift it has been to see the “magic” of Christmas.

Who knew that such simple inflatables would bring so much joy to kids?

If you could see through the eyes of these children and see the joy and happiness it brings them, you too would be smiling.

So let's take a moment and remember when we believed, how magical Christmas was and still is and let's not let a few of the naysayers spoil it. Especially in light of what just happened in a small tight-knit community like Charlestown. Let us never forget those poor children who will never ever get to see another Christmas.

So I say to you all: Smile a little longer, laugh a little harder, hug your children a little tighter and tell them that you love them when you put them to bed—and remind ourselves of those precious gifts that we have been given.

And since there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support, we have decided from one small town which we call Charlestown, MA to another small town called Newtown, CT, all donations we have received and proceeds from the sale of T shirts will go to the children of that town.

You can find donation jars at The Cooperative Bank and Toni Ann's Sub Shop.