Thames Yacht Club Members Bring Holiday Cheer to Children Through Annual Toys for Tots Drive

November 25, 2025  | appletim1  | Comment  | Latest News

New London, CT — The Thames Yacht Club (TYC) continued its tradition of generosity this holiday season, collecting over 100 toys during its annual Toys for Tots drive on November 22. Now in its fourth year, the event has become a cornerstone of TYC’s commitment to giving back to the New London community and supporting families in need.

“This time of year reminds us that the spirit of our club extends far beyond the water,” said TYC Commodore Rebecca Turner. “Our members are deeply rooted in the New London community, and to giving back—especially during the holidays. Their efforts are a reflection of the camaraderie and compassion that define the Thames Yacht Club. We’re proud to play even a small role in making the season brighter for children who might otherwise go without.”

The Toys for Tots program at TYC was started by David and Kimber Degling, Granby residents and longtime TYC members, who were inspired to turn the club’s strong sense of fellowship into meaningful action.

“We realized there were so many children in our area who weren’t waking up to gifts on Christmas morning,” said Kimber Degling. “We wanted to change that, even in a small way.”

Her husband added, “Every toy collected is a reminder that kindness matters. Our members have embraced this drive with such enthusiasm—it’s become a true club tradition of hope and generosity.”

TYC members of all ages participated in this year’s collection, bringing everything from board games and dolls to puzzles, sports gear, and stuffed animals.

“As parents, we know how magical the holidays can be,” said TYC member Kim Weekley of Groton. “If donating a few toys can bring that same joy to another family, it’s something we should all do.”

Fellow member and New London resident Mary Ann Root agreed, saying, “There are too many families struggling right now. Giving a toy or a gift might seem small, but for a child who wouldn’t otherwise receive one, it means the world. It’s an act of love—and that’s what this season is all about.”

The Toys for Tots program was founded in 1947. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation now partners with local organizations like TYC to help ensure that every child experiences the joy of the holidays.

As the Thames Yacht Club wraps up another successful year on and off the water, its members remain anchored by the values that have guided the club since 1932: friendship, service, and a shared commitment to community.

For more information about TYC, visit https://thamesyc.org/ or contact us at commodore@thamesyc.org.

Thames Yacht Club Honored for Beautification Efforts

November 18, 2025  | appletim1  | Comment  | Latest News

The front entrance of the Thames Yacht Club (TYC) is looking a little brighter these days—thanks to the dedication, vision, and green thumbs of its volunteer members. And now, the wider community is taking notice.

On November 17, TYC Commodore Rebecca Turner and Tamara Dimitri, TYC Landscaping Chair, a talented gardener, were honored with a prestigious community beautification award during a New London City Council recognition ceremony.

The New London Beautification Committee selected TYC for its thoughtful and colorful landscaping project that has transformed the club’s front grounds into a warm, welcoming, and flower-filled space. Guided by Dimitri’s gardening expertise and enthusiasm, TYC volunteers rolled up their sleeves to plant vibrant flowers, remove overgrown weeds, and spread fresh mulch—creating a cheerful, inviting entrance that greets both members and the many New London residents and visitors who pass by the club every day.

“What began as an effort to mitigate soil erosion and create a pleasing entrance to our club quickly became a meaningful contribution to the broader community,” said Turner.

In its recognition, the Beautification Committee wrote, “Your effort not only makes the Yacht Club attractive for your members, but the garden adds to the beauty of New London for all the citizens and visitors who pass by your entrance.”

Turner expressed the club’s gratitude for the honor, adding, “We are deeply appreciative of this recognition, which reflects the spirit of teamwork, community pride, and shared stewardship that defines TYC members.”

With its refreshed landscape and newly earned accolade, TYC continues to show how volunteers can brighten not just a single property, but an entire neighborhood.

TYC Gives Back with Food Drive

November 16, 2025  | appletim1  | Comment  | Latest News

NEW LONDON, Conn. — The Thames Yacht Club (TYC), a fixture on the Thames River since 1932, once again proved that its commitment to community runs as deep as its passion for sailing, boating, and friendship.

At the club’s annual membership meeting on November 16, TYC members from across Connecticut and neighboring states—including New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, and Rhode Island—joined together not only to celebrate another successful year, but to give back to the city of their club’s home. Members filled 10 boxes with non-perishable food donations, including cases of corn and beans, stuffing, yams, cereal, milk, peanut butter, tuna, soup, and so much more. The food will be donated to the New London Area Food Bank, ensuring that local families have access to nutritious meals during the holiday season and beyond.

“Thames Yacht Club was founded on the principles of friendship and a deep love of boating,” said TYC Commodore Rebecca Turner. “Ninety-three years later, that same spirit of connection and care continues to define us. Our club is about giving back—especially in these uncertain times. We’re proud of our continued commitment to supporting the New London community we’re fortunate to be part of.”

The food drive was spearheaded by Marsha Couture, a member from Killingworth and TYC Fleet Captain and Colin Redhead of New London and TYC Vice Commodore, who emphasized the importance of service as a cornerstone of the club’s mission.

“Our club gives back in so many ways—from supporting local youth sailing programs to helping with community events,” Redhead said.

Couture added, “This food drive is just one way we can lend a hand and make a real difference.”

For many members, acts of generosity like this are at the heart of what it means to belong to TYC.

“It feels good to know we’re helping keep food on the table for so many,” said Lorena Jones, a New London resident and longtime TYC member.

Another member, Leigh Reinhart of Niantic said, “Our donations are a simple way to show that we’re part of this community—not just as boaters, but as neighbors and friends.”

Since its founding, the Thames Yacht Club has been guided by values of camaraderie, service, and stewardship. From its members shared love of the water to their ongoing support of local causes, TYC remains proudly anchored in its mission to foster connection both on and off the river.

And Thames Yacht Club members won’t stop with the food donation. Next week, they’ll launch their annual Toys for Tots drive—another tradition that reflects the club’s deep commitment to helping others.

“This has been a beloved holiday tradition at TYC for the past four years,” said David and Kimber Degling, longtime members from Granby who organize the yearly toy collection. “Each season, our members come together to collect hundreds of toys, ensuring that children across our community experience the joy and wonder of the holidays. For us, it’s about more than gifts—it’s about sharing hope, kindness, and a reminder that no child should ever feel forgotten, especially now during the season of giving.”

For more information about TYC, visit https://thamesyc.org/ or contact us at commodore@thamesyc.org.