We Can't Do It Without You |
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| “I’ve always wanted a Minecraft backpack!” “No way! This is mine?”
These are just some of the exclamations of joy we heard at backpack distribution this year. But one little boy especially captured our attention.
Chris* dragged his feet as he walked into Beverly Bootstraps with his mom. He wanted to be at the playground with his friends and told us he didn’t want to go back to school.
Then he saw the backpacks.
As volunteers brought Chris to the elementary backpack table, his mood began to change. He picked up a black Adidas backpack, smiled at a Pokémon backpack, then he spotted it: a Minecraft backpack. His face lit up!
Chris told us his friend had a Minecraft backpack, and he had always wanted one, too. His mom never imagined they would have the opportunity to choose one of their own. But thanks to donors like you, he did.
Ten minutes later, Chris was beaming. Suddenly, going back to school didn't seem so bad. He had a backpack he loved and felt like he could fit right in with his friends.
This is what your generosity makes possible.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of our Back-to-School Backpack Program. Once again, our community stepped up, providing over 950 (and counting) local children in Beverly, Manchester, Essex, Hamilton, and Wenham with backpacks filled with essential school supplies.
Because of you, children started school with new crayons, notebooks, pencils, headphones, and more, along with something just as important: confidence.
We protect the privacy of our clients and their families, but we wish you could have seen Chris's smile. It was the kind of smile that reminded us why this community comes together.
Thank you for helping local children start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Help us continue creating moments like this for neighbors of all ages. |
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*Name changed for privacy. |
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The Frame at 198: Call for Artists |
Our Thrift Shop’s biannual art show, The Frame at 198, returns this October with the theme “Haunts!” With so many ways to interpret this theme, we want to see YOUR vision. Show us what “Haunts” means to you!
Submit your work by October 2 for the chance to be showcased in our eclectic Thrift Shop gallery space. Learn more & submit your art today >> |
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Thrift Shop Volunteers Needed |
On the last day of every month, the Thrift Shop holds its $1 Sale! We’re looking for one-time volunteers to help keep the shop organized and running smoothly during the sale. No ongoing commitment needed. Choose a shift that works for you and lend a hand!
Volunteers aged 16+ are welcome. Middle schoolers can also volunteer when accompanied by an adult (one adult for every two children).
Find a shift and sign up today >> |
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| Winter Wishes Holiday Gifts |
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The 26th annual MomBall Tournament is September 18–20 at Harry Ball Field! Moms from across the community will take the field for a fun and competitive weekend of softball, while supporting Beverly Bootstraps through one of our largest food drives of the year.
Kick off the fun with DadBall on September 16. Donations of menstrual products will be collected. Then that weekend, support your favorite MomBall team by bringing their designated donation item. Good luck to all the amazing teams competing both on the field and in the fight against hunger!
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Fill Our Food Pantry During the Holidays |
Hunger never takes a holiday. Help keep our Food Pantry stocked throughout November and December.
If your group is interested in holding a food drive, please contact Lisa Watkins at [email protected] or 978-927-1561 x140 to get started. |
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Every summer, Karen Sullivan brings the community together for yoga in the park that includes a special tradition: a food drive for Beverly Bootstraps! Karen asked participants to bring cereal and pasta for our Food Pantry, and the community delivered that and so much more, collecting over 300 pounds of food! Thank you to Karen and the Greater Beverly YMCA for making Beverly Bootstraps part of this summer tradition, and thank you to everyone who came out, donated, and supported our neighbors!
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Day of Service with Salem State |
Salem State University’s 11th annual First Year Day of Service gave new students a chance to start their college experience by connecting with and giving back to the local community. This year, 165 incoming first-year students volunteered across the North Shore, taking part in 22 community projects, including Beverly Bootstraps! During their time with us, students sorted and tagged clothing in our Thrift Shop and built Snack Bags to support local kids in the community. Thank you, Vikings, for spending your day giving back and lending a hand at Beverly Bootstraps!
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Thrift Haul Saturday, September 19, 10:00 am — 5:00 pm
Beverly Bootstraps Thrift Shop, 198 Rantoul St, Beverly, MA
Our next Thrift Haul is on September 19, with everything in our Thrift Shop 50% off! Shop deals on clothing, jewelry, furniture, home décor, and more while supporting Beverly Bootstraps. Past Thrift Hauls have raised as much as $13,000 in a single day, with proceeds helping fund our programs and services. Help spread the word and come shop the sale!
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Ride & Stride for Food
Sunday, September 27, staggered start times based on distance Noble and Greenough School, 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA
Support Beverly Bootstraps at Ride & Stride for Food on September 27! Whether you ride, walk, donate, or cheer us on, you'll help provide food and resources for our neighbors facing food insecurity. Register with Team Beverly Bootstraps today >> |
Cars for Charity by Solomon Fund Sunday, October 18, 9:00 am — 12:00 pm
100 Cummings Center, Beverly, MA (front parking lot near the Beverly Police Station)
Car enthusiasts, mark your calendars! On October 18 the Cummings Center will be filled with exotic, collector, vintage, specialty, and muscle cars from across the region, all for a good cause. The event is free, with donations encouraged to support Beverly Bootstraps and other local charities through the Solomon Fund. Plus, enjoy a raffle and food from Flip the Bird, which will donate 15% of its event proceeds to the cause. See you there!
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Reception of The Frame at 198 Friday, October 23, 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm
Beverly Bootstraps Thrift Shop, 198 Rantoul St, Beverly, MA
Stop by the Beverly Bootstraps Thrift Shop on October 23 for the opening reception of The Frame at 198: Haunts! Explore work by local artists and discover their unique interpretations of this fall’s theme, from familiar haunts to the mysterious and unexpected. Enjoy curated music, great vibes, and an evening celebrating local art in our one-of-a-kind Thrift Shop gallery space!
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Monday, October 12 (Indigenous People’s Day) All Beverly Bootstraps services, Food Pantry, and Thrift Shop CLOSED. |
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Don’t miss our emails!
Be sure to check your SPAM or Promotions folder and add @beverlybootstraps.org to your contacts so our messages land safely in your inbox. |
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