Some children ask for toys, others hope for socks that fit. Through the Holiday Bear Project, Staples connections classes work together to ensure these essential wishes don’t go overlooked.
The Holiday Bear Project pairs donors with children whose families are in need, ensuring they receive warm clothing, winter essentials and a few extra gifts that bring joy during the holiday season. For many recipients, these items aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities that families struggle to provide.
At Staples, several Connections classes take part in sponsoring a child. By working as a class, students are able to work towards a common goal to check off all of a child’s wishes. Sponsors receive key information including the child’s needs, interests and sizes.
“I’ve been doing it for over 10 years at this point,” math teacher Stacey Delmhorst said. “To get your class working together toward a common goal is just a good way to build community. It’s bringing the class together, but we’re also helping somebody in need, which I think is a great use of our time in Connections.”
The Holiday Bear Project was created by the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF), the charitable arm of the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), the state’s largest union of certified educators. Since 2016, the festive program has provided gifts to over 4,100 students in Connecticut public schools.
As the giving season rolls around, the Holiday Bear Project is seen as a meaningful tradition across connections classes.
“It gives us the chance to extend genuine goodwill to children and families who may be facing challenges that we may never personally experience,” Italian teacher Louisa D’Amore said.
The project serves as a reminder that even small acts of generosity can make a meaningful impact throughout Connecticut.
“I love to be able to give back to others throughout the holiday season,” Aideen Kennedy ’26 said. “I’ve been doing the Holiday Bear with my connections class since freshman year. It is always fun listening to festive music as we wrap the gifts together.”
