NORTH READING, Mass. — Grace Gorman is a senior at North Reading High School and, for a community service project, she created an initiative to collect donated clothing for families in need.
“This has really given me such realization on how one can make a difference, and it’s really not that hard to make a difference,” she said.
Gorman launched The Give Warmth Project in February. The mission is to collect new warm winter clothing by placing the items in a specially-branded bin located on The Green at MarketStreet Lynnfield. The clothing is then donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakefield.
Guardia is the director of development for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakefield. They serve about 300 children per day, and Guardia said during COVID-19 the need for clothing is greater than ever, including a big demand for spring-wear.
“They did this in a way where people can deliver the items and we can take the items and then we can discreetly give it to families in need so there is no shame about asking for help,” said Anthony Guardia.
“A lot of families and a lot of wishes are hey, I need light sneakers because all is have is boots or snow boots or all I have is sandals. We need a lighter jacket, we need shorts. You know all I have are long heavy jeans and I wear those throughout the year,” Guardia said.
Any unused donated winter clothing will be held by the Boys and Girls Clubs and given away at Christmas time. The Give Warmth Project was originally only going to run through March, but it’s been so successful, it will continue through spring.