Ugly Sweater Party to help displaced MSD students

Several local businesses, Milford Police Department and the Milford Moose Lodge have joined together to help displaced students in Milford School District

Several local businesses have joined with Milford Moose Lodge #2316 to help students in Milford School District who have been displaced have a merry Christmas with an Ugly Sweater party on Friday, December 13 at 6 PM. According to Donna Watson, this is an event that has been held annually at Milford Tavern but has grown so large it was moved to the Moose Lodge.

“This is about the seventh year that we’ve done this. We’ve always done it in conjunction with the police department, and a couple years ago, we started gearing it towards the displaced children in the Milford School District,” Watson said. “Displaced meaning that they live with a foster parent, are staying on somebody’s sofa. These are kids who don’t have a home.”

Watson explained that although they appreciate toys for younger children, they also need items for pre-teens and teens.

“We have started asking for larger clothes, including sweatshirts, socks, that sort of thing. Hygiene products like toothpaste, shampoo, things like that,” Watson said. “One of the things that we learned is that a lot of these high school kids actually go in to school and they take a shower there. So, this was why we kind of started gearing it towards that kind of stuff, too.”

Gift cards and cash are also accepted as donation. Watson explained that any cash donated is converted to gift cards. The donation drive is in partnership with the Milford Police Department which will take care of purchasing the items.

“We have a teacher at the high school who has a pantry, so she will handle the cash and gift cards for the older children,” Watson said.

The event is open to the public and there is no admission other than a donation which is dropped at the door. There will be food and a cash bar available.

“Don’t forget to wear your ugliest sweater for a chance to win,” Watson said. “Over the years, we have seen some hilarious sweaters during this celebration.”

Milford Moose Lodge is located at 20142 Beaver Dam Road in Milford.