August 2, 2023 |Community submissions, Fundraiser, News, Non-profits

Christmas in July (and August) at the Salvation Army’s SmART Center

Share

• F
• T
• L

The Salvation Army in Lynn runs the SmART Center, which works with children ages 5-12 year-round. Recently they received a donation of toys from a local that brightened the day of the children within the program, which started a trend of donations to the SmART Cenrter.

Community member Jodi Smith submitted this story to us, stating that this is more than a “feel-good story” and an example of how kindness can grow. “I hope this story will inspire others to look around their communities for ways, big and small, to make a positive difference,” Smith added.

A woman reached out to me a little over a week ago.  She was doing a big empty-nester cleaning and unearthing two giant tubs of Legos in the attic.  She asked if the center would be interested and I told her “yes.”  Well, when she arrived with the Legos, the kids were beyond ecstatic. She was surprised by how few toys and activities there were in the room and asked me for a wish list. I went to Amazon and picked out a few things.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how serious she was about helping.  I sent her the link on July 26^th.  By July 29^th, so many things had been purchased I added some additional items.  There are art supplies up to furniture!  There was even an additional donor who pledged to match dollar for dollar to purchase a water table.  So many donations came, in $5 and $10 amounts, that we were able to purchase TWO!  The two water tables should be arriving on Friday.

The deliveries just keep on coming.  I am so grateful and our kids are so happy. 

Nicole McClain, director of the Salvation Army Lynn SmART Center for children

From the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army SmART Center is a licensed after-school program in Lynn. Licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care, we provide quality programming for children aged 5-12. School vacation and summer care is also available.

The SmART Center is an arts-based program that provides youth with tools to build self-efficacy and self-esteem. Our staff value the importance of education, while promoting the benefits of physical activity, and giving children an opportunity to explore new ideas and interests.

• SmART Center Hours of Operation – School year
  • Monday – Friday from 1:45 pm – 6:00 pm
• SmART Center Hours of Operation – Summer vacation
  • Monday – Friday from 8 am – 4:00 pm
• 1 Franklin Street, Lynn, MA 01902
• 781-598-0673
• Salvation Army Lynn website
• SmART Center website

The above story was submitted to us by community member Jodi Smith.