The Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF), the charitable arm of the Connecticut Education Association, is inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to sponsor public school students through its annual Holiday Bear Project.

The program provides holiday gifts to students from preschool through 12th grade whose families face financial hardship or unexpected emergencies. Teachers nominate students who might otherwise go without gifts.

Nearly 900 Connecticut students benefit annually, and more than 5,000 have received gifts since 2016. The program operates entirely through volunteers.

Sponsors can support one or several students. After registering, they receive a student's wish list, including clothing sizes, interests, and essential needs. Sponsors purchase new gifts, such as toys, clothing, coats, hats, and gloves, and pack them in durable duffel bags provided by CEF.

Completed bags must be delivered to designated locations by the end of November. Teachers coordinate pickup with parents or guardians.

The sponsorship deadline is November 13. Businesses interested in sponsoring multiple students can contact Mary Pat Soucy at 860-525-5641.

To register or learn more, visit cefgives.org/programs/holiday-bear-project.