Seasonal Programs
Winter Clothes Drive
Supplementing the Clothes Closet, we host a winter clothes drive each year. New or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and sweatshirts are most helpful, as are socks, underwear, and heavy pants. Our goal is to keep people warm in the cold weather and we are grateful for the generosity of the churches and individuals who support us.
Thanksgiving
Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we distribute up to 250 full Thanksgiving Day meals, including a turkey. Recipients must be from Chester and the registration period starts in October. Volunteers are needed to help pack bags on the days before and of the distribution.
Special Holiday Meals
During the week before Thanksgiving, one of the Open Table meals is turned into a full Thanksgiving Day meal with turkey and all the fixins’. We offer another special holiday meal during the week before Christmas. As with all meals, they are open to anyone and there is no cost.
Gift Cards
During December each year we make an appeal for gift cards to large “box” stores and supermarkets. In the week before Christmas we distribute them, with the goal that every individual recieves a $25 gift card. Recipients must be from Chester, and the registration period begins in November.
Harvest Festival
Each year in the beginning of October, we host an event where the final harvest from the Community Garden is set out for anyone to take home. We also have food, games, music and dance, community service tables, clothes and household items, a raffle, and a pie-baking contest!
Volunteer Banquet
Every winter the entire CEI community gathers to celebrate the amazing service that has been offered throughout the year. We recognize volunteers, board members and staff while feasting as a local banquet hall. The evening culminates with the presentation of the Spirit of CEI award, given to an individual whose service captures CEI’s core mission. We also recognize the Partner of the Year – the organization/congregation who have offered selfless service and generous support.
Holiday Bazaar
Each December we hold a bazaar that offers anything and everything that has been collected for the previous six months. All the gifts are conated and then carefully prepared and placed, and the day is filled with joyous holiday cheer, snacks, and no one leaves empty-handed!