The Bridge Family Center’s Holiday Wish List

During the holiday season, from November through December, the media bombards us with twinkling lights and beautiful photos of perfect loving families.  That is not the reality for many children and families.  The holiday season can be a stressful time, especially in this tough economy. 

Founded in 1969, the Bridge is a community-based organization that fosters healthy growth and development in children, youth, and families through counseling, support groups, and family programs at our Family Resource Center.  The Bridge also operates several residential programs for youth whose lives are in crisis.  Most of these young people have suffered tragedy, abuse, or abandonment. 

To help the children and families we serve who are in need of extra help, we have put together our 2012 Wish List.  We believe that gifts from our Wish List will meet needs and add joy.  A simple gift can be a small miracle.  A gift card is the best kind of gift because it allows staff members and even the kids themselves to pick out something they need or want—warm mittens, a CD, a new sweater, a favorite snack.  

Gift cards requested for: Marshalls, WalMart, Kohls, BJs, Best Buy, Bobs, Target, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Eblens, Macys, Westfarms Mall, Buckland Hills Mall, Victorias Secret, Michaels, Bow-Tie Cinema, Rave Cinema, CVS, Walgreens, Barnes and Noble, restaurants (Chilis, Ruby Tuesdays, Olive Garden, A.C.Petersons ), super markets, Visa and American Express gift card. 

Also needed: New basketballs, tennis racquets, badminton racquets and birdies.
New winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, PJ bottoms (male & female, all sizes); wallets, umbrellas.  Nintendo Wii games and accessories; Xbox 360 gaming console; karaoke machine; portable radios. New games, Legos; books birth to teens; DVDs (PG or PG13); journals; 2013 planners. 

New household items: fire extinguishers, alarm clocks, kitchen ware, lamps, vacuums, carpet steam cleaner, steam mop, lamps, twin sheets and comforters, towels, bath rugs.  Honey-baked spiral hams, Christmas candy. 

Funds for monthly activities for teens; need scholarship monies for Bridge summer camps for students grades 4 through 8 ($275/week).

For more information, call Judy Bierly at 860.521.8035. You can drop off or mail donations to the main Bridge office, 1022 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford  06107. Website: www.bridgefamilycenter.org. Thank you for your support.