Wilton Kiwanis Club co-chairs Jeff Turner, left, and Fred Sindel announce the official beginning of the annual Florida Fruit Sale.
“Win, Win, Win” declare Wilton’s Kiwanis Club members as they launch the charitable foundation’s 20th annual Community Citrus Sale.
Kiwanians say “Win, Win, Win” because Wilton area residents have the opportunity to purchase or donate the freshest Florida citrus of the year, multiple sales partners will secure funds to help support their charitable efforts, and 100% of the net proceeds are distributed by the Kiwanis Foundation to scores of local nonprofit causes.
This fruit sale tradition has grown into a significant portion of Kiwanis’ annual donations, thanks to thousands of residents purchasing extra for friends and family, businesses and organizations buying large quantities to recognize employees and clients, and the many generous supporters directing fruit to be donated to those in need. As a result, Wilton Kiwanis Club will deliver a large supply of fresh citrus to local food pantries and shelters throughout the area.
Tree-ripened pink grapefruits, Valencia oranges and honey tangerines are handpicked and packed in Vero Beach, Fla., and driven in a refrigerated truck directly to Wilton for immediate distribution. Kiwanis stands firmly behind the product and offers eight choices of packaging combinations ranging in price from $25 to $40. If the fruit is kept in a cool garage or refrigerator crisper (45-60 degrees), it will remain fresh and juicy for three months.
One hundred percent of the citrus sale net proceeds are distributed to local charitable causes. Over the years, these have included Visiting Nurse & Hospice, Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Child Guidance Center, Wilton Youth Council, Norwalk Emergency Shelter, Trackside Teen Center, and Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
In addition, Kiwanis is partnering with the youth groups from three Wilton churches so they can raise money in order to provide hands-on relief assistance to Staten Island residents recovering from Storm Sandy.
Orders may be placed online at wiltonkiwanis.org or by printing an order form from the website and mailing it with a check or credit card information to Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 204, Wilton CT 06897.
Order forms are also available at the Wilton Bank, Peoples United Banks, Wilton Library, Stop & Shop, and the Wilton Family Y.
Fruit will be available for pickup at ECS Transportation, 390 Danbury Road (formerly Goetjens Movers) March 1-2 from 9 to 5, and March 3 from noon to 5. Delivery is available for bulk orders.
Information: citrus@wilton kiwanis.org, or call Jeff Turner at 203-981-6398.
