An ongoing outreach ministry that OSA is involved in is the Bloomfield Backpack Program. The program provides supplemental food and drinks to elementary school students on Fridays throughout the school year. OSA became involved in the program in 2015. The first Thursday of each month volunteers from OSA meet at the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield at 5:30 p.m. and pack many backpacks with food. On Fridays they also help to distribute the bags to the local schools. OSA also contributes monetarily to the program through fundraisers and donations. This is an extremely worthwhile outreach project. Many teachers have expressed that they have seen a huge difference in these children when they return to school on Mondays. They are focused and eager to learn. OSA is thrilled to be part of this local ministry.
In May 2021 OSA received an Outstanding Service Award by the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce for its work with the Bloomfield Backpack Program. The volunteers from OSA were instrumental in delivering bags directly to families during the pandemic.
