Special Events & Holiday Celebrations
Back to School Supply Drive (July Thru Aug)
Help Families Prepare For School
As Bridgeport students prepare to return to school during these uncertain times, we want to equip them with basic school supplies to ensure that they are set for success as the new school year begins. Now more than ever, we urge you to donate to our annual Backpack and School Supplies Drive by making a purchase from our Amazon wish list. Pay for the items you wish to donate and ship them directly to us! Every child deserves the chance to thrive.
Our goal is to give out over 200 back to school backpacks filled with many essential items. We will fill each of them with a pencil case, sharpener, water bottle, note book, folder and ruler. Each year we run out and need your help to not only meet our goal but hopefully exceed it. You can view our amazon list or purchase individual items in the link below.
Thanksgiving Meals (November)
St. John’s Family Center is deeply committed to ensuring that every family we serve can experience the warmth, comfort, and joy of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. On the third Saturday of November, during our normal weekly food pantry distribution, we distribute specially curated Thanksgiving meal kits. These kits will include all the essentials: a turkey or chicken (or other protein), potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, bread, pies, and additional items to create a festive and fulfilling meal. Our distribution is designed not only to meet basic needs but to bring a sense of dignity, celebration, and tradition into each household.
Recognizing that the need extends beyond those we directly serve, we also distribute meal kits to our local partner organizations, including the CT Worker Center, Alliance for Community Empowerment Bridgeport, and The Early Learning Center. Through these partnerships, we can extend our reach and ensure that even more families across our community have access to a complete Thanksgiving meal. We are proud to provide over 400 families with Thanksgiving dinners each year.
Additionally, we will host a special Thanksgiving community supper. During this regularly scheduled weekly gathering, we will offer a hot, traditional Thanksgiving meal to our guests, providing a communal space where they can share in the holiday spirit and enjoy the sense of connection and support that our center fosters.
Our Thanksgiving activities are not just about food; they are about providing hope, fostering community, and ensuring that every family or individual can participate in the traditions that make this season so meaningful. With your support, we will be able to extend the reach of our services and ensure that no one is left behind during this special time of year.
Holiday Celebrations
Holiday celebrations bring a sense of normalcy, community, and happiness, fostering a spirit of togetherness and support. The special events we host affirm the dignity of those in need, showing them that their community cares and supports them in meaningful ways.
Some examples of special events we host are:
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Halloween Treat bags
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Christmas / Winter Holiday Festivities
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Easter Baskets
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Christmas in July
