Our Charity Tray collections for the months of June and July will be for FOCUS Bridgeport, specifically for their Backpack Drive for the Beardsley School.   

From Linda Kolton, Center Director for FOCUS Bridgeport:   .... I've attached a flyer for our Backpack Challenge. In short, we're inviting local parishes to help us provide 400 backpacks for children before the start of the school year. The principal at Beardsley has specifically asked FOCUS to concentrate on backpacks, as that is the greatest need right now. If we split our efforts between backpacks and school supplies, we're concerned we may not reach our goal. She will be working with other organizations to help cover the supply needs.

The cost of a backpack is $10, and FOCUS Bridgeport is targeting to collect monies from all the Orthodox Churches in the Bridgeport region to purchase 400 backpacks. Click onto the following link to view or download the 2026 FOCUS Bridgeport Backpack Drive Flyer

As always, we thank you for your generosity!

Dear Faithful Friends,

What does a backpack mean to a child?

It's more than a place to carry school supplies.

It can mean walking into the first day of school with confidence.

It can mean being prepared to learn.

It can mean knowing that someone cares.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Orthodox parishes and supporters, 2,776 backpacks have already been ordered. That's nearly 80% of our goal of equipping 3,500 students this school year—but there's still time to help us reach every child we're hoping to serve.

Whether you host a packing party in your community or make a gift to support the effort, you'll help ensure more students begin the school year prepared, encouraged, and ready to learn.

Participate. Donate. Help us reach 3,500 students. GET STARTED TODAY!
With gratitude,
FOCUS North America