How sweet it is

Merchants are holding drive for homeless families Warwick — Sweetbriar’s annual spring fundraiser for the Warwick Humane Society had a sweet twist this year. After Sally and Joseph Sossler of Goshen won a drawing for a spectacular three-foot Belgian chocolate bunny, they asked that their prize be donated to a charitable organization in Orange County. Stephanie Faerman, the owner of Sweetbriar’s in Warwick, said she started calling up child-oriented facilities in the county. With help and support from Jackie Sitro, owner of Jacqueline’s Boutique in Warwick, she picked the Orange County Emergency Housing Facility. On April 30, the store owners, accompanied by their daughters, Jaimie and Rachel, paid a visit to the facility. The children brought bags filled with special chocolate treats, stuffed animals, games, children’s slippers, handbags, hair accessories and jewelry. Their visit was received with great joy and appreciation by the families. Everyone left with bags filled with goodies and smiles on their faces. To top the day off, the giant chocolate bunny was to be divided among all the families after dinner. Faermand and Sitro asked the director: “What else is needed for these families?” The director expressed an urgent need for new socks and underwear. Families in the area, who find themselves homeless at any given time, on any given day, desperately need these items. The two merchants plan to keep touch with the shelter and to return soon to fulfill the request. If you can offer help in any way, contact Jackie Sitro at Jacqueline’s Boutique of Warwick 987-9602 or Stephanie Faerman at Sweetbriar’s of Warwick 986-5700. The Warwick Humane Society provides animal control services to the village and town of Chester.