Your Stories: Turkey Day Bootcamp Supports Programs at Saint Francis

Members of Lightning Fitness Strength & Conditioning in South Windsor donated six bags of clothing and hygiene products.

Lightning Fitness Strength & Conditioning in South Windsor held a Turkey Day Bootcamp to benefit the Greater Hartford Family Advocacy Center (GHFAC) and Hospital Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) at Saint Francis. Led by Trainer Dee, 25 participants brought in bags of clothing and basic needs supplies to help create emergency “go bags” for mothers and their children who have been impacted by domestic violence.

Carolyn Alessi, Regional Director of Community Health and Well Being, who trains with Trainer Dee, asked him if he would be interested in doing a Thanksgiving Bootcamp to benefit the clients of the GHFAC and HVIP. He engaged with the owner of Lightning Fitness, who was very enthusiastic about giving back to the community.

“Having the Lightning Fitness gym members enthusiastically and without hesitation embrace the call to donate new and gently used clothing and new hygiene products showed the power of community,” said Carolyn. “Two days before Thanksgiving, our program had three referrals of moms who were displaced or fled from their partners to seek safety with no access to clothing, food, or necessities. Being able to provide them with these donations helps in a small, but significant way to demonstrate that they are not alone, and that the broader community ‘sees’ them.”

Submitted by Carolyn Alessi, Regional Director of Community Health and Well Being.

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