A fourth-grader from Braeburn School recently collected books and ‘caring kits’ for donation to children in the many programs run by The Bridge Family Center.

Submitted

On a recent sunny day in June, fourth-grader Alexandra Doering arrived at the Bridge Family Center with 150 books for the Family Resource Center and more than 200 “”Caring Kits for Kids.

Alex Doering (center) with the books and care kits she gathered and donated to The Bridge. Submitted photo

Each kit was designed to bring a smile to a child’s face and included a coloring book, crayons, and other items such as crossword puzzles and sketch books. It was a site to behold, and many members of the Bridge staff were present to observe the pride and enthusiasm Alexandra displayed as she and her younger brothers surrounded themselves with donations on the front lawn as they posed for photos.

“It was a moving thing to witness,” said Amanda Aronson, director of Marketing & Communications for the Bridge. “We received word during the winter that Alexandra was organizing a massive effort at her school and that the children we serve were chosen to be the recipients of her efforts. We were so honored.”

Aronson added, “Alexandra is a member of the Braeburn Elementary School student council, and she appealed to the entire school community for support. She made posters, encouraged donations, and then wrapped them all in beautiful bags with original labels. We were blown away by the time, planning, and loving thought that went into this initiative. What made it even sweeter was that Alexandra’s work inspired her younger brother, Drew, to support this effort in his first-grade class, and her youngest brother, Will, even spread the word at the School for Young Children. Alexandra is a budding young philanthropist in our area, and I am certain we will see great leadership from her in the future.”

The books will be enjoyed by children throughout many Bridge programs. Most will be directed toward the Family Resource Center and children engaged with the Bridge through its three counseling centers, but some will be reserved for use by the teens in Bridge residential shelters. Those teens often have younger siblings, and having gifts like this available allows them to recognize a sibling’s birthday or other special occasion when they normally couldn’t afford to do so. That’s not a need that the Braeburn community may have been aware of, but it demonstrates that the thoughtful effort initiated by Alexandra and supported by the students, staff, and families at Braeburn Elementary will be shared deeply through the community.

The Bridge staff wishes to thank Alexandra, her family, and the entire Braeburn and School for Young Children communities for their support.

About The Bridge Family Center

Based in West Hartford, Connecticut, the Bridge Family Center is a comprehensive, regional nonprofit agency that provides a broad range of services for children and families throughout the Greater Hartford area. Last year, the Bridge served approximately 10,500 children and families.

Founded in 1969, the Bridge offers a safe haven for children and families in crisis as well as positive, healthy intervention and prevention programs. It is recognized as a leader in bringing the community together to assess issues and needs, and plans, coordinates, delivers and evaluates services in a cost-effective manner. In addition to a nationally recognized Family Resource Center, a teen center, and many in-school youth services, it also runs three counseling centers, five short-term respite homes, a therapeutic group home, and an independent living program. For more information, visit www.bridgefamilycenter.org.