Miracle on Shippan Avenue: B1C Hosts One Thousand for the Holidays

Partnered with Greenwich Academy (GA), Brunswick School, and Trinity Church, Building One Community – The Center for Immigrant Opportunity (B1C) brought the magic of the holidays to over four hundred children of local immigrants.

B1C’s Shippan Center, transformed into a winter wonderland, hosted over one thousand of their participants and families who connected with volunteers and staff at stations with crafts, snacks, toy selections, a photo with Santa, and books gifted by Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF).

The Community Fund of Darien decked the halls of B1C with GA and Brunswick School the night before the festivities, adorning Christmas trees, hanging menorahs, wrapping presents, and braving the annual battle of untangling twinkly lights.

These youth volunteers played a quintessential part in the most wonderful time of the year; keeping the magic alive for children whose parents may not be able to through their own means. Connecting with people of different backgrounds in the community is key to the successful integration of immigrants and their families.

Many of these students have volunteered for the B1C Holiday party before and were particularly excited for this year, the first time the party was hosted at B1C’s main location on 417 Shippan Avenue. This year’s event structure offered more connection points for volunteers with participants, bringing together the community when they need it the most.

Dr. Seuss said it best; the spirit of giving doesn’t come from a store – it truly means so much more.

To support more initiatives like this, visit B1C’s Annual Appeal page, where a donation can transform immigrants' lives through English classes, Job Training, Immigration Legal Services, Tech Literacy, Child Education and Support Services.