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Community Corner

TLC Grateful for Strong Community Support


January 2014

To the Editor:

Swampscott residents outdid themselves this holiday season in their support for TLC (Toys for Local Children).  The widespread support and interest was amazing! 

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We were so lucky to have a very dedicated group of high school volunteers show up every day to wrap and shop for requested gifts.  They were determined to fulfill as many wishes as possible.  They also willingly volunteered at holiday events such as Santa’s Breakfast and “Healthy Families Holiday Party”.  They were faithfully supported by their families who drove them to these events and who supported our annual greenery fundraiser.  This year’s greenery fundraiser was better than ever and we are so grateful to Darlene and company at North Shore Flowers for their help with this. 

In addition to student participation, TLC was embraced by school staff throughout Swampscott and Nahant.  Staff  were incredibly supportive in so many ways- purchasing greenery, making donations, “adopting” a family, donating toys, and so much more. A special thank you to the SMS pops for their contribution from play proceeds.   The incredible spirit of generosity and compassion from colleagues at every level in the school department makes us so proud!

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This year TLC invited families in the community to “adopt” a family by purchasing what was on their wish lists.  We were overwhelmed by the positive response to this effort and by the number of people who jumped at the chance to get involved. The children serviced through TLC benefitted from your kindness.    

We are also grateful for the ongoing widespread community support- especially to Danielle Strauss of the Swampscott Recreation Department for organizing one of our bigger fundraisers- Santa’s Breakfast; to Det. Ted Delano for organizing the Holiday Parade and encouraging the support of TLC,  to the many businesses or organizations that collected toys including- All About Dance, Whole Foods Studio 21, Stop and Shop, Church of the Holy Name, Tony Lena’s, Swampscott Police and Fire, Sagan Realty and the Paper Store; to the James family for their continued financial “sponsorship” and to the many, many faithful residents who donate to the cause in some way year after year.  We were successfully able to bring joy to many children this holiday season thanks to all the support. 

 

Gratefully,

Abby Rogers

Cathy Kalpin

TLC Coordinators 

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