CEF Holiday Bear Project

providing gifts to children in need during the holiday season

The Holiday Bear Project is the Connecticut Education Foundation’s (CEF) flagship annual initiative dedicated to ensuring that children in Connecticut’s public schools experience the joy, warmth, and dignity of the holiday season.

Each year, public school educators across the state witness firsthand the financial hardships many families face, from job loss to unexpected crises. Through the Holiday Bear Project, teachers nominate students from Pre-K through Grade 12 who may otherwise go without gifts during the holidays. CEF then connects those students with compassionate sponsors who provide warm clothing, essential items, and age-appropriate gifts.

By bridging this gap, the Holiday Bear Project helps ease seasonal stress for families while reminding students that their community sees them, supports them, and cares.

How the Holiday Bear Project Works

The program is built on trusted relationships between educators, families, and community supporters:

Nominate or Sponsor – Teachers identify and nominate students in need, while individuals, businesses, and community groups sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays.
Receive a Wish List – Once matched, sponsors receive a detailed student profile prepared by the child’s teacher, including clothing sizes, interests, and a thoughtful list of needs and wishes.
Shop and Pack – Sponsors purchase gifts and pack them into a durable duffel bag provided by CEF. Bags typically include a balance of fun items and winter essentials such as coats, hats, and gloves.
Drop-Off and Delivery – Filled bags are dropped off at designated locations. Teachers then discreetly coordinate gift pickup with parents or guardians, preserving the magic of the holiday for each child.

More Than Gifts

The Holiday Bear Project does more than provide material support — it delivers dignity, connection, and hope.

Teaching Gratitude – In many schools, the project has become a lesson in empathy and service. Students and classrooms often come together to support other children, learning the power of generosity and community care.
Equity and Inclusion – Streamlined gift lists help ensure equity among recipients, so every child feels equally valued and supported.

Impact at a Glance

More than 4,100 students served since 2016
Hundreds of students supported each year, including record-breaking participation in recent seasons
100 percent volunteer-supported, led by educators and community members

Support the Holiday Bear Project

Each gift or sponsorship helps ensure a child in Connecticut’s public schools experiences the joy, dignity, and care every child deserves during the holiday season. Whether you choose to sponsor a student or make a financial contribution, your support directly impacts children and families facing hardship at a critical time of year.

Make a Contribution

Holiday Bear Project Inquiries

For questions about nominations or program details, please contact:

Connecticut Education Foundation
Email: holidaybear@cea.org
Phone: 860-525-5641
Address: 21 Oak Street, Suite 500, Hartford, CT 06106

Participating in the Holiday Bear Project helps our students understand that there are others who are less fortunate, and that they have a part in helping other students… to have things that they need and may not get otherwise.

— Kathy Pindar,
East Lyme Kindergarten Teacher