Students and staff at Pomperaug Regional High School in Southbury are among the many students and educators across the state making the holidays brighter this year for students in need.
Five hundred and fifty Connecticut children who might otherwise have received no gifts this December are taking home large duffel bags filled with presents donated through the Connecticut Education Foundation’s Holiday Bear Project.
CEF President and CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey says many schools, like Pomperaug, use Holiday Bear as an opportunity to come together, build positive relationships, and give back.
“I think that there is a lot of pressure and stress during all times of the year but certainly during the holiday season. Holiday Bear gives a school the opportunity to focus on the things that matter, like community, supporting others, and being generous, giving, thoughtful, and empathetic of those who might have less,” she says.
New this year to Holiday Bear are the large blue duffel bags making gift collection and transport easy for everyone involved.
“We really have been able to broaden the program this year, and these bags are a wonderful addition to Holiday Bear,” DeLancey says. “Every student who gets a bag full of many presents also gets to keep this fantastic bag that they can use for whatever they need. It’s going to be a great holiday season for a lot of students here in the state of Connecticut.”
Watch Pomperaug students and staff describe why their school takes part in Holiday Bear below.
Purchase your own large or small Holiday Bear duffel to support the Connecticut Education Foundation.
While the Holiday Bear program is closed to gift-giving for this holiday season, need exists year-round. Learn about other ways you can get involved with the Connecticut Education Foundation.
