Events to offer food distribution, coats, COVID-19 vaccinations and testing

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – On December 23, seven Providence Public Schools will hold give-away events that include lunch kits and coats for Providence children and COVID-19 rapid test kits for families. Four of the give-away locations will also hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all people ages 5 and older. Each of the four clinic locations will hold raffles for big screen TVs.

These events, which will take place on the first day of school vacation, will be held in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Education, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and Sodexo Food Services.

Clinics run from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the following Providence locations:

• DelSesto Middle School, 152 Springfield St.
• Esek Hopkins Middle School, 480 Charles St.
• Gilbert Stuart Middle School, 188 Princeton Ave.
• Roger Williams Middle School, 278 Thurbers Ave.

Family members can sign up for vaccinations in advance at vaccinateri.org.

“The upcoming vaccination, testing, and giveaway events are a great way to kick-off the holiday break and to prepare our kids and families for safe and healthy celebrations,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Rhode Island families have lots of fun ways to prepare for the holidays; this year we ask that vaccinations, and boosters for those already vaccinated, testing, and masking are added to your ‘to-do’ lists. These steps will ensure a merry season and happy New Year for all.”

“We want every member of our Providence school community to be safe in and out of school this season,” said Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green. “These clinics are a great way to share holiday cheer and keep Providence families safe this winter. We’re grateful to everyone who has worked hard to make these events possible.”

Acting Superintendent Javier Montañez said, “We want our families to enjoy holidays that are happy and healthy, so we are making this extra push to get vaccines into our communities this December.”

Additional give-away events run from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at:

• Feinstein Elementary School, 1450 Broad St.
• Nathanael Greene Middle School, 721 Chalkstone Ave.
• Providence Career and Technical Academy, 41 Fricker St.

All sites will be giving away seven days’ worth of lunches and snacks for Providence Public School children up to the age of 18. Children do not have to be present to get the meal kits if adults provide the child’s student ID number.

Children’s coats will be distributed per child and rapid test kits will be distributed per family member while supplies last.

For more information, visit providenceschools.org.

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