Sterling House Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program Underway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sterling House Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program Underway

Stratford, CT – October 4, 2016– The Sterling House 2016 Holiday Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program is underway with plans to make hundreds of children happy this Holiday season. Last year, this project, coordinated by the Stratford Junior Woman’s Club and Sterling House, provided over 200 families in Stratford with wonderful Holiday gifts.

This program is for Stratford residents who are in the low to moderate income bracket and are in need of assistance with toys/gifts at Holiday time. Those interested in taking part in the 2016 Holiday Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family program must attend one of the following registration sessions: Thursday, Oct. 6^th, from 5-6:30 pm at the South End Community Center – 19 Bates Street or Tuesday, Oct. 11^th, from 6 pm-8 pm at Sterling House Community Center-2283 Main Street.

The project is a huge endeavor which involves the donation of monetary contributions, toys, and gift cards from churches, schools, neighbors, service clubs, local businesses, and community organizations. On December 17, EMS staff and other volunteers will deliver sacks of gifts to families throughout Stratford. The project either provides gifts directly to families in town, or seeks organizations, groups, service clubs, school groups, or individual families to adopt a family in need. The group who adopts a family provides gifts, food, and sometimes clothing for all members of the family. “It’s a powerful example of community partnerships in action. The residents and businesses of Stratford reach out with compassion and support during what can be a very stressful time for families in need,” says Amanda Meeson, Executive Director.

Sterling House needs your support to make this year’s Holiday Toy Drive and Adopt a Family a success once again. All monetary donations, toys, and gift cards will be most appreciated. Last year, thousands of gifts were distributed to children in Stratford. Any group interested in adopting a family for the Holidays or making a donation can call the Toy Drive/Adopt a Family phone line at (203) 378-2606 x305.

In 1932 Sterling House Community Center was founded to provide a vehicle for the citizens of Stratford and surrounding areas to come together. Sterling House offers a broad range of educational, recreational, and social programs to over thirteen thousand community members each year. Our services include a NAEYC accredited Preschool, youth athletic programs, volunteer training and referral, summer camp, and youth and adult recreational classes. The Sterling House Resource Connection and Food Pantry is a basic-needs assistance program that provides meals for over 8,000 individuals each year. The mission of Sterling House is to foster the physical, social, emotional, artistic and intellectual growth of the communities we serve.