Help at-risk families remain in their homes during the holiday season and enjoy a read-aloud of the original Paddington bear story by Michael Bond on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. in the ballroom at The White Hart inn in Salisbury, Conn.

Paddington is the beloved bear of children’s books and feature films. He arrives at Paddington Station in London with a small tag on his blue toggle coat that says, “Please look after this bear.” Happily, the Brown family takes him in and all ends happily.

The story will be read by Scoville Memorial Children’s Librarian Kendra Percy and Hotchkiss Library of Sharon Children’s Librarian Samantha Saliter.

Participants will receive a jar of gummy bears with a note that says, “Please look after these gummy bears,” similar to the note attached to Paddington’s coat when he is found, homeless, at Paddington Station in London.
State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) will attend.

Masks are required; seating is on the floor (pillows are welcome).

There is no cost to attend. This is a fundraiser for the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. Donations can be made by scanning the flow code on bookmarks available at the reading and on special wreaths at area libraries and at all area William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty offices.