Monkeys Abound In Downtown Shelton

Luther's Garage in downtown Shelton recently held their 2nd Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive.  This year, the response was even more overwhelming than last year.  Over 230 plush monkeys were collected and donated.

The purpose of the drive is to put a smile on the faces and warm the hearts of abused, neglected, impoverished and needy children.

E-Z Travel in downtown Ansonia was added this year as a second drop off location.

All of the monkeys found homes with children who are a part of various organizations in the Valley and surrounding areas.  These groups include Casey Family Services of Bridgeport (www.caseyfamilyservices.org), the Valley YMCA in Ansonia, Covenant to Care for Children in the New Haven area (www.covenanttocare.org), Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley (www.bgc-lnv.org), Area Congregations Together, Inc./Spooner House (www.act-spooner.org) in Derby and Family and Children's Aid/Shelton and Danbury Safe Homes (www.fcaweb.org.)

Some of the organizations found creative ways to put the monkeys to good use. 

"They all went to children in foster care and children who have been adopted but are still working with us," stated Carmen Nieves, Volunteer Coordinator, Casey Family Services.  " We found three puppet monkeys which we will use in therapy.  The monkeys with no tags went into the playroom for all to share."

According to Megan Cardinal, Regional Coordinator, Covenant to Care for Children's Waterbury division, "The monkeys were distributed to the New Haven DCF treatment social workers.  They will be going to children that they felt have been having a hard time and could use some extra support and cheering up.  The monkeys were not only a great idea to brighten a child's Valentine's Day, but it shows them that there are people in this world that do care." 

Monkeys were donated by area residents, Luther's customers, the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Women In Networking group and other  members, the employees of Naugatuck Valley Savings Bank in Derby, Keith Urban's National Fan Club (Monkeyville), Best Buddies from Shelton Intermediate School (www.bestbuddiesct.org), the Seymour Lions Club and a member of the Simian Society of America from New York who resides with her two "girls" who are real monkeys. 

A very special young boy, Jonny Clark, decided to lead his third-grade class at Laurel Ledge School in Beacon Falls and his family in their own plush monkey drive.  He gathered up forty monkeys and delivered them to Luther's.  Plush monkeys were also received in the mail from as far as North Branford and a former Connecticut resident who now lives in Florida .

"Next year, we are hoping for 500 or more monkeys so we can spread the warmth even farther," said John Landry, owner of Luther's Garage.

Currently, Luther's Garage is conducting their 2nd Annual Change of Season Spring and Laundry Detergent Drive .  They are also collecting plush bunnies for the 2nd Annual Bunny Love Drive now through a week before Easter.  Donations of slightly worn and new clothes for children from infant to age 14 and plush bunnies are being accepted at Luther's Garage, 5 White Street , which is off Howe Avenue in downtown Shelton .  Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

For more information call 203-924-8848, visit http://members.aol.com/luthersgarage or email luthersgarage@aol.com.