Teachers and students from Trumbull’s Madison Middle School recently collected more than 70 holiday gifts  for clients of The Center for Family Justice, the Bridgeport-based nonprofit which serves victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse in six local communities.

The gifts were presented to CFJ by Madison Middle School teacher Jeanne Malgioglio, who along with teacher Nancy Yarmosh, organized the faculty gift collection. In addition to gifts from faculty members of the school’s KARE club, a student group which engages in philanthropic projects, donated more than a dozen “bedtime bags” for preschooler who are CFJ’s clients.

In addition to the gifts, Malgioglio, also presented dozens of blankets made by the Binky Patrol, a community-based service organization which creates soft, cozy blankets for children and families in need.

“We couldn’t me more grateful to the Madison Middle School faculty and students for their overwhelming generosity,” said Debra A. Greenwood, President & CEO of The Center for Family Justice.  “Our clients and staff were overwhelmed by the heartwarming generosity of the school community as well as the Binky Patrol. We also deeply appreciate of the efforts Jeanne Malgioglio and Nancy Yarmosh put into organizing this gift drive on our behalf.”

Greenwood noted many of the gifts will be presented to clients or families leaving in CFJ’s Kathie’s Place safe house, the 15-bed shelter for individuals and families escaping abusive relationships. “We thank the entire Madison Middle School community for sharing the holiday spirit with our deserving clients,” says Greenwood.