MAR Gratitude Project

“I started sewing early in quarantine when a friend of mine told me about a woman in Quincy who started a Facebook group called Facemask Helpers.  She distributed them to hospitals, etc. Often, I’d just leave them on my steps and someone would come by to pick them up. I also made them for people who heard I was making them. Most of those people wanted to pay so I collected whatever they wanted to give and then made a donation to the Scituate animal shelter (I think I collected over $300 and rounded it up to $500).  

A colleague in my office heard I was sewing and offered to help as well. She had lots of experience making drapes, etc., so she offered lots of white cotton that we used for the inside layer of the mask and also for ties (because elastic was completely unavailable). She was a huge part of what I did and helped me produce faster. I researched lots of patterns and found one that would fit over an N95 so nurses could prolong the life of their N95s. The whole process was so therapeutic. Every mask was made with love and I felt so fortunate to be able to help in a time when there seemed to be “nothing to do” in such an uncertain and scary time.” 

– Rebecca Glynn

“I co-chair the investment team that helps allocate United Way funds to community agencies and individuals in need. I also contribute time at the Boys & Girls Club, United Way events, and senior centers, in addition to supporting local animal shelters. Whether combating homelessness and hunger, advancing youth and education, or whatever cause you’re passionate about, it’s critical to help those in need when you can. Compassionate and generous volunteers make a huge difference. I feel it is both heartwarming and rewarding to have a positive impact on someone’s life.”

– Michelle Haggstrom

“I started the food drive in March in response to the COVID-19 shutdown. I do Facebook live videos requesting food or monetary donations, and most people donate money. I then shop weekly and bring food to the food pantry. Starting in September, I cut down my visits to once a month but, unfortunately, I am starting to go more frequently again due to demand.”

– Ellen Johnson

“When I founded Thrive Real Estate in 2014, it was based on the commitment I had towards community service and support. I have always believed that giving back in a meaningful way was the surest path to long-term success for both the community we serve, as well as our own companies.   

My advice to anyone looking to get started would be to find something you are passionate about and dedicate your time and talent to this pursuit within your community. In my case, I’m passionate about economic development and the support of small businesses. All of my volunteerism ties back to these interests and I’m hopeful it will help in a small way to allow my community the ability to grow and thrive.”

– Maribeth Lynch

“The Presti Group is proud to support many community projects. The most recent one was the Newton/Stoneham Front Steps Project, which was organized by Marie Presti, Broker/Owner of The Presti Group. Back in March, as we started to socially distance from our family and friends, the purpose of the Front Steps Project was to bring the community together to mark this unprecedented time in our lives, and to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts for several charities in Newton and Stoneham.  In exchange for a donation, people were able to schedule a professional photographer to visit the front of their house and take pictures of them during the stay-at-home period. Together with The Presti Group, the projects were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Newton/Stoneham, MLAC Photography, Diane Brophy Photography, and Dawn DiOrio Photography. Combining the projects, we were able to raise over $10,000 to help local charities.“

– Marie Presti

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