Bridgeport Landing Development (Steelpointe Harbor) is working to spread the holiday cheer this year by sponsoring OPTIMUS Healthcare’s Annual Christmas Gift Giveaway on December 18, 2018. This year’s event was held at the Ralphola Taylor Community Center on Central Avenue and provided a chance for local families and children to receive a Christmas gift.
Lieutenant Darrien Penix of the Bridgeport Fire Department traded in his flame-retardant yellow fire suit for one much more appropriate for the holiday season as he donned Santa’s icon red suit for a worthy cause. Penix helped to spread the holiday joy by giving out toys to families from the neighborhood where he grew up.
Students from Bridgeport’s Dunbar Elementary School were able to take part in the holiday celebration. Ms. Schmidt’s 5th-grade class was amongst those receiving presents. “Events like this really help the students. Some of them won’t receive a lot this year so this just brings a little extra holiday spirit. It shows them that people do care about them and helps them feel really good this time of year,” said Schmidt.
East End City Councilman Ernie Newton attended and expressed his gratitude for the event. “Thank you to OPTIMUS and the Christophs for always thinking about the community. There were a lot of children in the community who didn’t have presents to open and now they do.” said Newton.
“Events like this help us to spread some Christmas joy,” added Steve Tyliszczak, Development Administrator for Bridgeport Landing Development, who grew up on the East Side of Bridgeport.
