Submitted by Rosalyn Queen
During this holiday season, most of us think about sharing with those who might be a little less fortunate than we are. Generally, we think that this means those individuals who receive government assistance. But if we give this some thought there are those who work every day, both mother and father, and live pay day to pay day. These are the individuals that the Progressive Women’s Association looks for to assist, so that their holiday will be complete. The PWA maintains a food pantry year-round and at Christmas we like to think that we will be able to help families create memories with a nice Christmas meal.
Expressions of Love is a relatively new organization that helps individuals in the community. On Saturday morning if you travel through downtown Bridgeport, you might see them set up in front of Expressions Beauty Salon selling fresh hot frittis. This event was started by Judy Bonamico, owner of the salon, and her beauty staff. Along the way they picked up many volunteers and generally they fry till they sell out. The proceeds from this sale are invested in Expressions of Love and used to help those in need. This is a year-round project.
I approached Judy and Mark Bonamico to see if they would be interested in partnering with the PWA in preparing Christmas Baskets of Love. They agreed to furnish the turkeys for the baskets and delivered them to the center this week. A list of senior families has been compiled and the baskets will be delivered to the families next week. The PWA will complement the turkeys with stuffing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. These items will be taken from the food pantry. The food pantry operates all year and accepts donations from businesses and individuals. By the way, a gift of food for the animals might be included in the baskets, which will come from Peppy’s Pet Pantry.
A big thank you to Expressions of Love and Judy Bonamico for partnering with the PWA. Please support this organization.
` The YMA and the YWPA will be manning the food booth located outside the center. They will be accepting donations for this pantry that is open 24 hours a day. These groups are the youth section of then PWA. Anyone wishing to support this venture can get info by calling 304-624-6881.
As we are getting right into the Holiday Season, get a light heart and share joy with your friends and family. Do not forget those who live alone and be sure to enjoy those special church services being planned.
Take care, stay safe and healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
