November 1, 2025
Dear UTSC Families,
As we move into the fall and winter months, a season of holidays, we want to ensure that every family is aware of the resources and assistance available through our schools and local partners. Throughout the school year, UTSC holds events to support our community and assist families in need. At the beginning of the year, we provide back-to-school supplies and clothing. During the winter months, we offer additional necessary clothing, and through the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, we provide food baskets and other items to support families. We are also always available to offer and connect with families in immediate need.
Annual UTSC Support
Back-to-School – Supplies and clothing for students
Winter Months – Additional winter clothing available
November – Food baskets for families
December – Food and gift giving programs
April – Food baskets and support
Upcoming UTSC Holiday Assistance Programs
Information regarding the UTSC November Thanksgiving food baskets, December Christmas food and gift giving, and April Easter food baskets is distributed each year to help ensure every family has what they need to celebrate together. For November and December, families have received information and will receive additional updates next week. If you have not received information yet, please contact your child’s school.
Thank you Bearcat Nation! To support these programs, each school organizes food drives and donation fundraisers, and partners with local community resources. This reflects that Bearcat Nation cares for and gives back to our community. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of our school families, community donors, volunteers, and local partners who make these programs possible.
Community Resources
We have compiled a list of some of the community resources that may be helpful, including food pantries, assistance programs, local charities, and links to resource directories:
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana: www.foodbanknwi.org
Mobile Market Food Schedule: Sign up for alerts via text: "MARKET" to 219-500-6464
Oct-Nov Combo Schedule: https://foodbanknwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/OctNov-Combo-English.pdf
Valparaiso Hilltop House Mission Kitchen and Food Pantry: https://hilltophouse.org/hunger-relief/
Salvation Army Porter County Food Pantry: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/in/valparaiso/capitol-rd-corps/hunger/
Tradewinds Community Food Pantry (Lake and Porter County): https://www.tradewindsnwi.org/community/community-pantry/
Additional Resources by Zip Code: portercounty.findhelp.com
School Counselors and Homeschool Advisors
At different times during the school year, families may experience immediate or unexpected needs. Our school counselors and homeschool advisors are always available to connect families with support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our schools directly.
We are grateful for the care and generosity that define our Bearcat community. Together, we can make sure every child and family in our district feels supported and connected.
Sincerely,
Leigh Barnes
Superintendent