Adapted from our Email Newsletter
October 7, 2023
Did Someone Say…After School Program???
The Out of School Time After School Program is in full swing! Each weekday the doors open at 2:45pm and our students begin their time together with a full, healthy, and delicious meal. Then, it’s off to homework help/tutoring, recreational and social activities – in the newly renovated gym – and, of course, tilling and tending in the Community Garden. And this year we’ve added new enrichment programs, especially with field trips.
We are especially grateful for the gift of 40 new laptop computers; the result of a generous donation from someone committed to educating children, and especially at CEI. We praise God for the many ways we receive support and encouragement for our mission.
As we are not yet at capacity, we are continuing to accept registrations. If you click on the button below, you can complete the registration form online.
After School Program Registration Form
First Prize (Again)!
On September 30th, a group of our students joined the leaders of the Community Garden on a trip to Smedly Farm, the home of the Master Gardeners of Delaware County. They went to receive the award for the best childrens’ garden in the county!!
Congratulations to all of the many green thumbs – young and old; large and small – who have created such a special place.
We interrupt this message for a brief program note…
After much discussion with staff, and Food Pantry and Hot Meals volunteers, there will be a change in our regular weekly program schedule beginning on Monday, October 16.
The Food Pantry and hot meals programs will continue to operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00am to 12:30pm.
The Clothes Closet will operate on Thursdays, also from 11:00am to 12:30pm.
Grab’n Go meals will be distributed on Thursdays; no longer on Mondays and Wednesdays.
This new schedule will help make Mondays and Wednesdays less hectic, and will allow the Clothes Closet to run all year round as items will be kept inside for distribution. And with the Grab’n Go meals being given out on Thursdays, it will mean we are offering meal/food service three days each week.
Looking Ahead…
In the coming weeks, the CEI beehive will continue to buzz! Here are some of the programs and events that will take place as we approach the holiday season.
Celebrating Abundant Produce and the Blessings of Community
On Saturday, October 21 we will gather in the CEI parking lot (inside if it’s too wet or too cold) to welcome the community into a celebration of the abundant harvest that has come from our Community Garden.
All are encouraged to stop in: residents, volunteers and staff from CEI, supporters of CEI’s programs, and especially young ones!
If you have any questions, please call the office at 610-872-4812.
Some Like it Hot!!
One of the activities/events during the Harvest Festival will be a chili cookoff! Anyone is invited to bring a batch of your best chili – and everyone will be able to taste and vote on the best pot! You can use this QR code to register or you can call the office at 610-872-4812.
It’s Almost Turkey Time
Once again this year, we will be putting together Thanksgiving meals and distributing them to residents in our area. The distribution will be on Sunday, November 19. Registration information will be posted soon. And if you are able to donate items for the meal, here is a list of what is needed.
Gift Card Appeal
Once again this year we are putting the call out seeking donations of gift cards. The cards will be distributed at the Holiday Bazaar on December 21.
Gift cards will be given to each person who comes that day; there is no pre-registration, but recipients must be present to receive one.
Annual Appeal
In the first week of November the annual appeal letters will fill the Chester Post Office Box. Each year the appeal amounts to a sizeable portion of our annual revenue, and sends us into the new/next year with a large budgetary bump!
Our ask is when you receive your appeal letter that you consider all of the ways CEI’s programs impact the people of Chester, and then give in proportion to what is offered and received.
Celebrating Service!
On Saturday, December 9, our space will ring out in joyous celebration of all that is offered by the people who drive CEI: our volunteers. The doors will open at 5:00pm for fellowship and appetizers, and will be followed by a sit down dinner. Awards will be offered to recognize the steadfast commitments, unbounded compassion, and selfless service given by our volunteers.
Sharing the Gifts of the Season
This year the Holiday Bazaar and the gift card distribution will take place on the same day. On Thursday, December 21 CEI’s doors will swing wide with welcome. Household items and clothes will be given away, seasonal munchies and drinks will be served, music will fill the air, and all who come will receive a gift card to help celebrate the season. Watch for more details as we get closer.
And one last heads up……
If, at any point in reading about all that’s going on at CEI, you were curious what it would be like to volunteer – we’ve got you covered! There is one last button below that just might be the first step in satisfying your curiosity!