Winter in Claremont is full of Joy! Our little backpack initiative began in December is Growing! with the support of our community we have been able to expand to serve students at two schools. These days 5 backpacks are in circulation at Claremont Middle School - they go out full on Friday and return at the beginning of the week to be refilled with a variety of healthy foods. We cannot feed a family for a weekend, but the back packs help extend the family pantry, and help stressed parents provide for their kids. At Disnard Elementary school there are 10 backpacks in circulation. Here is a very very happy school nurse, receiving a supplies that will help her students get through a long weekend. 
Trinity Loves our Families! Months ago we planned a February snowday. Hot Chocolate and cookies were ready, and Sara Groesch, Ph.D. a clinical psychologist was on hand to share with parents, grandparents and godparent some of the latest information about the mind-body-spirit connections that foster healthy development. The lack of snow did not hinder the learning, or the fun. While the adults (and two baby brothers) were inside learning, the Rector and her intrepid assistants oversaw the Running of the Trinity Winter Olympics. The Frogs and the Rabbits both had winning scores, and each team were rewarded with a colorful Lei and they took a very happy Victory Lap. 
For more than 40 years Trinity Episcopal Church and Union Church have jointly sponsored a Red Cross blood drive, this year held at the Claremont Senior Center. We made sure that the donors were checked in, provided with tea and water and cookies, and made to feel welcome and appreciated. We did indeed have fun as well. 
