Community Involvement Makes a Difference for TLC

Though we haven’t even consumed our Thanksgiving turkey yet,  volunteers at Toys for Local Children (a Swampscott schools program providing toys to children in need during the holidays)  have already been busy at work.  With Thanksgiving falling so late in the calendar combined with school getting out for December break a little earlier than usual, the volunteers thought it was important to get a jump start since there is a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time. They are determined to fulfill each request from local families for holiday toys.  

Getting the community involved is definitely part of the effort.  Volunteers hope that many community members will support their cause by contributing in some way.  They are hoping that the spirit of generosity that defines Swampscott and Nahant all year long will shine through during the holidays.  For those who are looking to do something particularly meaningful this holiday season, you could “adopt” a family. This is a new part of the program and was initiated to allow citizens to get involved on a more personal level.  Participants will be given the wish list for children in a family and will be asked to purchase a few gift items for each child on the list. Those who are interested can determine if they would like to shop for  just a couple children or several.  We already have one neighborhood that is working together to service a larger family. Whatever anyone can do is appreciated. When someone is done shopping, they return the items to the volunteers at Swampscott Middle School who will be sure they get delivered in time for the holidays.  If you are interested in helping, just contact one of the staff advisors (information provided below) and more details will be given.

Some citizens would like to avoid the crowds at the toy stores and they may just prefer to donate money.  A check, made out to TLC, can be mailed to Swampscott Middle School, 207 Forest Ave, Swampscott, MA 01907. The contribution will go directly toward purchasing toys. Another option is to donate a new unwrapped toy and bring it to the donation box at any one of the schools. 

Volunteers are also looking for support for the TLC fundraisers. They are currently selling holiday greenery and all the profits from these sales go directly to purchasing gifts for children. The greenery is provided by North Shore Fruit and Flowers and is excellent quality.  Orders for the greenery are being taken through Monday, Dec 2nd and will be ready for pick up on Thursday, Dec 5.  Contact either TLC coordinator, Abby Rogers at SMS at arogers@swampscott.k12.ma.us or Cathy Kalpin at Clarke School at kalpin@swampscott.k12..ma.us for information.

TLC is hoping Swampscott citizens will show their holiday spirit.