This holiday season, students of Mrs. Merrill at CPPHS worked together on a community service project to support people in the area who are experiencing homelessness. Wanting to help in a real and meaningful way, the students teamed up with a local ministry to distribute the care bags they created. In total, they assembled more than 100 “blessing” bags filled with essentials for men, women, and children in the community.
The ministry that the class partnered with was started by Brittany Gilbert, who felt called to support unhoused individuals in the surrounding areas. Brittany and her team spend their time bringing hot meals, blankets, coats, and personal care items to families living on the streets or staying in local hotels. Each month, the team reaches around 50 individuals and families, offering not just supplies but also compassion and connection.
Due to the volume of donations this year, they were also able to donate to a local organization, Bridge to Hope Center, in Corning. This organization helps individuals transitioning through homelessness or recovery and life's challenges.
To make this project possible, the class gathered donations from the community, students, staff, and families. People contributed items like toiletries, socks, snacks, winter accessories, and more. The outpouring of support helped the students fill each bag with care and ensured that they could reach as many people as possible. The students were excited to see how everyone came together to support their goal.
To deepen their understanding, the class also read Paper Things, a story that explores what it’s like to face homelessness through the eyes of a young girl. The book helped the students talk about the challenges many people deal with every day and encouraged conversations about empathy, responsibility, and community support.
By the end of the project, the students sorted, prepped and packed bags filled with various items to help families in need this holiday season. Staff members from the class, along with the ministry, help distribute the bags to each individual person in need at various locations. Their hard work, teamwork, and generous spirits brought a little hope to others during the holiday season—and showed just how powerful kindness can be.