Hobby Shop Owner In Enfield Providing the Gift of Literacy

ENFIELD, CT — Without fanfare or expectations of recognition, a local hobby shop is once again quietly distributing holiday gifts to those in need, only at its new location.

Through its Gift of Literacy program, Matt's Cards and Comics is providing free books and graphic novels for ages 3 and up until Dec. 24. They are prewrapped and are under the tree in their new home at 348 Hazard Avenue, to where owner Matt DeRoma III moved early this year.

"No charge and no strings, just free books for anyone who needs a little help this year," DeRoma said.

DeRoma, son of business founder Matt DeRoma Jr., purchased the building in late November and began transforming the interior into a new showplace for his inventory of comics, sport and non-sp0rt cards, toys, memorabilia and "about 50,000 graphic novels."

Since 1987, the shop had operated in a small plaza across Elm Street from Asnuntuck Community College. The younger DeRoma took over the business in 1995.

He said any organization needing gifts should contact him, at 860-741-2522. More information may be found on the store's Facebook page.

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