As we enter into a season of thanks and giving, I am moved, reflecting on our five years of work together as a Community of Doers. Thank you for giving and making a difference in the lives of individuals, families and the communities in which we live.
Annually through SPUR, hundreds are able to engage in intentional acts of kindness and thoughtful service around complicated issues like hunger, environmental concerns, and meeting basic needs of neighbors.
Recently immersed in research, I am struck by the analyses that indicate empathy is on the decline. Yet, I find encouragement in the growing pool of research which finds that individuals who choose to volunteer report a sense of belonging, feelings of compassion, accomplishment and overall fulfillment. I am further encouraged by studies revealing that children who engage in volunteerism tend to be healthier and less stressed, do better in school and hold higher self-esteem.
Our work at SPUR reaches far beyond “just” volunteering. We are entering into deeper relationships with people we haven't yet met, knowing our communities more intimately while demonstrating and motivating children to be service-minded.
Your giving makes this possible.
In only five years, some highlights of our collective impact include:
- Mobilizing 3,165 unique volunteers, of which 805 were under the age of 10
- Organizing 126 volunteer activities and hosting 18 youth enrichment workshops
- Preparing 6,910 servings of food, which was then served at local shelters
- Providing 2,271 new backpacks full of school supplies, along with 1,831 holiday bundles of cheer
- Empowering 8 youth through Seed Grant awards to carry out or expand their community impact project
- Growing & harvesting (in three years’ time) 1,968 lbs of organic produce for local food pantries
- Rescuing over 2,000 lbs of surplus food and redirecting to those facing food insecurity
- Distributing 2,542 personal care kits assembled from collected travel size toiletries
Looking ahead, our aspirations continue to soar. We seek further occasions to engage with one another while impacting our communities. We look to increase volunteer and enrichment opportunities and establish greater partnerships with other mission-driven organizations.
This season, I invite you to make a difference.
- Set-up monthly, recurring support.
- Make a year-end gift.
- Transfer stock.
No matter how you give to SPUR, it’s more than making a donation. You’re making a difference.
Thank you for believing in SPUR, investing in our communities and partnering with us to bring about a thriving, multi-generational Community of Doers.
With gratitude and joy,
Jocelyn Cook
Founder & Executive Director
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Holiday Cheer Drive: Kicking Off November 18th
With November upon us, we are gearing up for our annual Holiday Cheer Drive which supports hundreds of local children by providing winter essentials and meaningful gifts. Wish-lists for Bundles of Cheer are submitted via school counselors, social workers, food pantry directors and the like. We also work with area shelters to provide meaningful essentials such as towels, sheets and toiletries to adults experiencing homelessness.
Wish-lists will be available at our office for sponsorship, as well as a number of other locations beginning November 18th.
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VOLUNTEER
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Sew Good Together
November 6, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Sign Up Now
November 13, 9:30 am - 12:oo pm
Sign Up Now
Lifebridge Meal Service
November 13, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Sign Up Now
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GRATITUDE IS SHOWN IN ACTS
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Thanksgiving weekend: 5th annual fall-yard cleanup!
Saturday, November 30th, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join with family and friends to clear fall yard debris for neighbors who need a hand and are counting on us. Don't miss this special opportunity to reflect on all we are grateful for while showing love to others. Volunteers of all ages are needed for homes in Lynn, Marblehead, Salem and Swampscott.
Sign Up Now
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NEWS
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Marblehead based SPUR's 'Community of Doers' celebrates 5 years
October 18, 2019
Read Here
Patriots Present Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award to Jocelyn Cook
October 16, 2019
Read Here
By land and by sea, volunteers cleaned Marblehead Harbor
September 30, 2019
Read Here
(watch video at the bottom of this email)
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Have you been following us on Facebook or Instagram? Don't miss our "Science Saturday's!"
"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."
- Henri Frederic Amiel, Swiss Philosopher
Click here to read more from Authentic Gratitude: 3 Ways Giving Thanks Can Do Good.
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We give thanks to Peter of Flat Rock Creative for his support of our work this year! Flat Rock Creative designed our beautiful "Giving to make a Difference" campaign, Summer Fling collateral and impact posters. Thank you!
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