The Bridgeport Rescue mission will hold its annual fundraiser against poverty online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual fundraiser, Hearts of Hope, will be held online beginning April 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Bridgeport Rescue mission says the online event will benefit the mission’s programs for working-poor, and homeless women and children.

 

"There's always been a great need for our services in the community, and now the demand is even greater," Donna Romano says.

Romano says the shelter is still housing those who need a place to stay, but is no longer accepting new residents.

She says Bridgeport Rescue Mission began immediately adapting to take safety precautions after the virus hit.

She says their mobile food pantries are on hold right now, but they are packing and delivering food and groceries to those who can't come to the shelter.

Romano says the fundraiser is just something that can't be put off even during a pandemic, and that she hopes going digital will be just as successful.