You may have heard of FOCUS North America— for the past nine years, our parish has partnered with them in the annual Backpack Drive to help children in need.
FOCUS (Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve) does more than just backpacks–it’s a pan-Orthodox ministry with 12 centers across the country—in cities like Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta— where Orthodox churches and volunteers feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, support young families, and comfort those in need. A little over a year ago, our local Orthodox clergy—including St. Dimitrie—and faithful parishioners came together to explore how we could partner with FOCUS to establish a new center serving our neighbors in Bridgeport, where needs are great.
This vision was born through the prayers, encouragement, leadership, and generosity of many Orthodox churches and members in our area. This year, FOCUS Bridgeport began offering meaningful acts of service: feeding families, hosting meals, and finding ways to reflect God’s love to a watching world. This ministry not only supports those in need—it also strengthens our Orthodox community, allowing us to glorify God through service. These beginnings are a living expression of the Cross—loving our neighbors as one Orthodox family. There are many ways to help: volunteering, donating resources, or keeping this ministry in your prayers.
To learn more or get involved with FOCUS Bridgeport, please reach out to Linda Kolton at lkolton@focusna.org or 203-615-8139.
Together, we can bring Christ’s love beyond our church walls and into the community.
I wanted to share some exciting news with you that acknowledges and celebrates all of you!
Through your commitment, we have been able to support students, families, and neighbors in need while building relationships here in the community.
Thank you for believing in this ministry. I am deeply grateful and blessed to work with you and excited to see what God continues to do through FOCUS Bridgeport!!
With so much gratitude,
Linda
400 Backpacks - 400 Smiles - One Orthodox Community
Purchasing a backpack can be a financial burden that competes
with necessities like food, medicine, transportation, and even
school uniforms.
This summer, FOCUS Bridgeport is challenging our community to come
together and provide 400 backpacks for local students so that every child we
serve can start the school year with confidence and dignity.
The Challenge
Goal: 400 backpacks
Cost: Just $10 provides one backpack
Deadline: June 30
Impact: Every backpack goes directly to a local child in need!
How You Can Help
Give $10 to provide one backpack
Sponsor multiple backpacks for a family
Invite your parish group, friends, and family to participate
Give donations to your FOCUS Parish Liaison!
Every child deserves the chance to start the year strong. Together, we can show love to children in need.
Questions? Contact Center Director, Linda Kolton 203-615-8139 or Lkolton@focusna.org
I wanted to share some exciting news with you that acknowledges and celebrates all of you!
Through your commitment, we have been able to support students, families, and neighbors in need while building relationships here in the community.
Thank you for believing in this ministry. I am deeply grateful and blessed to work with you and excited to see what God continues to do through FOCUS Bridgeport!!
With so much gratitude,
Linda
FOCUS did such a wonderful job supporting Family Night in May to honor moms and families that Principal Tiffany has asked for our support in providing a hot meal for dads and families in June.
We’d love your help making this evening joyful, welcoming, and memorable for the families at Beardsley School. There are two volunteer shifts available:
1:00–5:00 PM at Holy Ghost
Help with meal preparation and event logistics
5:00–8:00 PM at Beardsley School
Help set up, serve dinner, connect with families, and clean up afterward
You’re welcome to sign up for one shift or both! Whether you can help behind the scenes or serve directly with families, every role makes a difference.
These events are such a beautiful opportunity to serve together, build community, and see God’s love in action through simple acts of care and hospitality.
If you’d like to volunteer, click here!
https://www.signupgenius.com/
Thank you for continuing to make Christ’s love visible in our community! We'll keep you posted on more upcoming FOCUS Bridgeport events!
With gratitude,
Linda
I hope you’re doing well! We have several opportunities in the weeks ahead to serve our neighbors, and we would love to have you join us. Whether you’re able to help prepare meals, distribute food, or simply be a welcoming presence, every role makes a difference for the families we serve.
If you’re interested, please take a moment to sign up here.
Upcoming opportunities include:
- Community meal distributions: 6/27
- Snack bag packing and distribution: 6/11
If you know someone who might be interested, feel free to share this invitation with them as well - or bring a friend! And share with your church, too!
Thank you, as always, for your generosity and heart for service. It’s a blessing to do this work together! If you have any questions about what's involved, please reach out to me.
With gratitude,
Linda
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