The common household refrigerator…

A repository for the great wisdom of the world.

A pictorial history of a family’s best and wackiest moments.

A collection of momentos that remind and inspire.

But most importantly, the posting place for reminders, schedules, deadlines, and events.

So, here you have it: the Fall 2024 Chester Eastside schedule of events, complete with reminders and deadlines, suitable for posting, and compatible with all major refrigerator brands.

Please post freely!

It’s Not Too Early to Talk Turkeys!

The annual distribution of full Thanksgiving Day meals will take place on Sunday, November 24 from 12:00-1:30pm and 2:00-3:30pm. Registration will take place between October 15 and November 14. We will need volunteers to help pack bags on Friday and Saturday, November 22-23, and then with the distribution on Sunday.

We have been informed that our major donor of turkeys will not be able to offer them free of cost this year. So, in addition to the regular request for turkeys, this year we are in even larger need as our goal is to serve 250 families.

We also depend upon donations for all the fixins that go with the meal. You can click here to see a list of items that accompany each turkey. Donations can be dropped off at E. 9th St. any weekday between 8:00am and 4:30pm.

Gift Cards

Once again this year we will be distributing gift cards to individuals and families in anticipation of the holiday season. You must be a resident of Chester to sign up, and the number of cards correspond to the number of people in each family. Sign ups to receive gift cards run from November 15 – December 14, and they will be distributed on Friday, December 20 from 1:00-4:00pm. We are ready to receive donated gift cards from now until December 18.

The Holiday Bazaar is Back!

On Saturday, December 14 we will host the annual Holiday Bazaar, from 10:00am-2:00pm. Volunteers are needed to help set up on Friday the 13th, and to break down after the event. All items are given away at no cost, and there are no qualifications or restrictions. Donations of items for the Bazaar are welcome anytime up to December 13.

A Time to Celebrate

As happens each year, we will set aside a special evening to recognize and celebrate the very backbone of Chester Eastside: our volunteers and staff. On Saturday, December 7, we will gather at the Austin Room in Chichester beginnning at 6:00pm. There will be a time for fellowship, a buffet dinner, followed by special presentations, including the annual Spirit of CEI Award. Wath your mailbox and inbox for you invitation and RSVP card.

A Time to Give

Each year Chester Eastside sends out an annual appeal for contributions to support and sustain the ongoing programs and services we provide. It has become the largest single source of revenue each year, and comes at a most crucial time. You can anticipate receiving the appeal before Thanksgiving, and we accept donations through the end of the year. Please consider offering a gift that reflects your support and encouragement for all that we achieve when working together.

And the Icing on the Season!

On Thursday, December 19 (time TBA) the students in Kids First@CEI, our after-school program, will present their “Showcase”. Throughout the fall each student will be creating and working on their presentation for the Showcase. Each day students take part in one of four arts classes – music, dance, drama, and visual arts – where they receive the support and guidance for their presentations. Mark you calendar now for this special day, and come to rejoice in the creativity of our young students!