Thank you to our partners of 23 years at Safety Marking, Inc. for hosting a winter coat drive for our guests. We are so grateful for all or your continued support and commitment to helping the most vulnerable populations in our community.

The Thomas Merton Center has provided a loving, safe, and hope-filled community that responds to the needs of its guests and residents and respects the dignity of each person.  The annual coat drive was supported by SMC in Bridgeport CT, February 2022. The Center thanked their partner of 23 years at Safety Marking Inc. for hosting the winter coat drive for their guests again this year. “We are so grateful for all your continued support and commitment to helping the most vulnerable populations in our community!”

“Mark Kelly was instrumental in supporting ‘Project Warm’, a Thomas Merton Center initiative during the winter months. The purpose of the Project was to provide a warm, safe, comfortable, and sustainable alternative venue for the guests of the Center. Through his support and efforts, it was possible to continue The Merton Center’s mission of providing meals and other support services during the pandemic. Marks passion and support for this project made a difference,” shares Bob Colson, Operations Manager at the Thomas Merton Center.

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County Executive Director, Mike Donoghue, lauded Mark Kelly and Safety Marking’s loyal support: “23 years is literally half the Merton Center’s history. Time and tenure are just the beginning of the story, though. When I consider the human impact of Mark and Safety Marking’s support, it’s remarkable. Imagine the lives we’ve changed and saved over those two decades.” Donoghue continued,Thomas Merton once said that we do not exist for ourselves. Mark Kelly, his family and SMC demonstrate this every day and we are forever thankful.”  

Mark Kelly of Easton, Ct. is the Founder and President of Safety Marking, Inc. Mark Kelly states: “It is very important to me to support such a vital and complex initiative; meeting the needs of our vulnerable neighbors in Bridgeport, CT.  Mark Kelly recognizes how important it is to give back to the local community and has made a lifelong commitment providing aid to local neighbors in need. Mark Kelly has also been a member of The Thomas Merton Center Advisory Board in Bridgeport, CT for over 20 years.  He is committed to the very important work they do of providing safety and hope to those who need it most.