Every year since that Mayor Joseph Maturo has been in office, he has hosted a Mayor’s Christmas Party. While he stresses the importance of getting together with friends and loved ones at holiday gatherings, he and his office staff decided to change things up in 2015.

“A discussion came up in our office and one of my secretaries suggested donating the money instead,” said Maturo. “We discussed it and it was a collaborative decision by everyone in the office. After we talked about it, we all decided it was the best thing to do this year.”

In lieu of the party, the Town of East Haven donated the funds to three local charities—the East Haven Food Pantry, the East Haven Animal Shelter, and the East Haven Rotary’s Clothe the Children drive.

“Choosing the charities was also a collaborative effort,” said Maturo. “We thought they were the best three that we would like to donate to.”

The mayor’s office isn’t the only local organization lending a helping hand during the holiday season. East Haven Boy Scout Troop 408 recently installed a flag pole at the East Haven Animal Shelter.

According to a press release, “the scouts along with East Haven Animal Control Officer Owen Little and Assistant Animal Control Officer Sean Godejohn performed a brief flag raising ceremony.”

While Maturo is happy to help local charities, he wants residents to remember the importance of holiday gatherings and making time for friends and family.

“Christmas parties are nice—they give us an opportunity to get away from our TV sets, iPods, iPads, and iPhones and socialize,” said Maturo. “A party gives us a reason to stop the hustle and bustle and say, ‘Let’s get together over a holiday when we’re all in good spirits.’ I don’t want anyone to think we’re doing it to get away from socializing. These three charities are very worthwhile.”