2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the families at Friends Way

Please join us in bringing joy to the children who have lost a family member during this holiday season

(Unwrapped Toys or gifts can be picked up by Maria King, RIFDA Immediate Past President 2025-2026, or dropped off at Nardolillo Funeral Home in Cranston or Narragansett.  Maria will also pick up gifts from any funeral home.)

Friends Way currently serves children from age 3-18.

RIFDA will present all of the gifts donated to Friends Way at their Holiday Party on December 13, 2025, from 12-2pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 West Shore Road, Warwick.

Here are the estimated numbers for our participants.

Ages 3-6: 16 boys, 16 girls
Ages 7-10: 28 boys, 16 girls
Ages 11-13; 20 boys, 21 girls
Ages 14-18: 17 boys, 20 girls

Some of the gender norms are hard to find neutral games/toys for, etc.  Please respond by December 5, 2025.

Questions? Contact Laurie Robinson, Executive Director, rifda1@aol.com or 401-523-5107

(left to right) Laurie Robinson, RIFDA Executive Director, Maria King, RIFDA Immediate Past President 2025-2026, Nicole Heywood, RIFDA President 2025-2026, and Anthony Nardolillo, RIFDA President-Elect 2025-2026 are shown with the generous RIFDA donations for the 2024 Toy Drive.

This year’s Annual Wreaths Across America State House Ceremony will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, in the State Room, RI State House. Watch for Details!

Last year’s Annual Wreaths Across America State House Ceremony took place on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the RI State House.

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The Wreaths Across America’s ceremony begins a week-long series of events designed to raise awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families.

The ceremony takes place in most of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. and have a particular focus on family during the holidays.

Volunteers conduct the State House ceremonies each year in their respective state capitals. Dignitaries and special guests are invited to speak in honor of our veterans and active military.

These wreath-laying ceremonies are nonpolitical.

Monday, November 10, 2025
Antonio’s Trattoria
1710 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920

This event is hosted by Murphy Funeral Homes
Kindly RSVP by November 5, 2025

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We will begin with a social gathering featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar from 6:00 pm to 6:45 p.m. The guest speaker presentation and dinner meeting will begin at 6:45 p.m. (1.50 CEUs). The Online payment option is currently not working. Please contact Laurie Robinson at 401-523-5107 or email her a rifda1@aol.com

Guest Speaker details to follow.

• Grilled New York Sirloin – 
  Sicilian Spice Rub  @ $72 pp
• Baked Scrod – 
  Baked with Seasoned Cracker Crumbs, Butter and White Wine  @ $55 pp
• Veal Parmigiana –  
  Breaded Cutlet with Mozzarella in a Light Marinara Sauce @ $55 pp
• Chicken Marsala –  
  Boneless Breast with Fresh Mushrooms and Marsala Wine Sauce @ $55 pp
  
• All entree pricing includes salad and dessert. If you have a special dietary restriction, please contact us by November 5, 2025. To pay by credit card, please contact Laurie Robinson at 401-523-5107 (text or call) or email her at rifda1@aol.com. Thank you!
• OR by printing out this order form and mailing to
• Laurie Robinson, PO Box 1223, East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818
• OR by faxing to (401) 885-7090
• OR by calling Laurie Robinson at (401) 523-5107

If you make a reservation and are unable to attend, please contact Laurie Robinson so that we do not have to absorb this expense.