The Face Of Giving

We have been undergoing challenging economic times with many heart-breaking stories of families losing their jobs, their homes, their hope. But despite all these difficulties, Gathering Change, Inc., a non-profit group that collects spare change and gives it right back into the communities it is collected in, has found that many people are still giving, volunteering, and working together as a community to help their neighbors. “It has been our experience that there is a long list of unsung heroes that have shown so much generosity with their time, effort and yes, their spare change, that we feel it important to recognize them for their efforts. They are not just helping out, they are grateful to be able to give,” says Marianne Snow, Vice President of Gathering Change, Inc. “What we have seen is individuals giving whatever they can, adults leading children in helping ways and groups working as a team with a deep spirit of cooperation, care and charity that you would not expect at this difficult economic time.”

And what does the face of giving look like? It’s a 14 yr old girl who decides she doesn’t need anything for her birthday so she invites her friends to a birthday party and asks them to bring their spare change rather than a gift. It’s a middle school community that sponsors a food drive for a full month and collects so much food that a truck is needed to bring it to the food pantry. It’s the volunteers at the food pantries working tirelessly and without recognition every week to provide food for those who never thought they would be in the position they are in. It’s adults helping their brownie troop, girl scout troop, daisy troop, day care center, classroom and families to create containers to fill with extra change that they can donate. It’s a retired man who decides to donate the jar of change that he has saved his entire adult life. It’s a school that puts a donation jar in its cafeteria and collects several hundred dollars. It’s the many principles, teachers, PTO’s, media centers all coming together to hold Gathering Change events. It’s the mom who invites her friends over for a cheese and cracker evening and requests that they bring their spare change. It’s the teacher who asks kids to bring in their change and then uses it to teach a math lesson on how much their change could buy.

“Our list is endless at a time when money is scarce.” says Dorothy Goodwin, President of Gathering Change, Inc. “We are in awe at the concern and care that so many have shown even when things are challenging for them. It may not seem like large amounts, but putting it all together, it adds up to lots of help for many people. Neighbors are giving to neighbors, people are bringing hope to other people. Isn’t that just what we need at this time?”

Because of people’s generosity, Gathering Change, Inc. has been able to give checks and vouchers to the food pantries in participating towns. “We feel humbled by the deep sense of giving that both the people making donations and the workers at the food pantry are exhibiting,” adds Mary Taggart, Donation Coordinator. “The sense of hope is continually renewed with each phone call we receive that tells us there is another person or group who has rallied to help their community. We see hope around every corner as people share whatever they can.”

If you are interested in helping Gathering Change, Inc. or learning more about our organization, check out our website, www.gatheringchangeinc.org or contact us at 617-548-5357.

By Marianne Snow

Celebrating year one ...

Gathering Change, Inc. will be hosting the refreshment stand on July 8th from 6 – 8 pm at the summer concert on the Lynnfield Common featuring the local band Evolution. Contact us to learn how you can help with this or future fund-raising events.

To think that only a year ago, Gathering Change, Inc. was just a thought ...

It all started with a small group of women talking about “change.” What would it take to make a difference in the lives of others? Specifically, neighbors who were struggling in a down economy? Could the concept of “give what you have” – whether that is a bowl of spare change or a few hours of free time – be enough? And more importantly, how could this idea of supporting our local communities with small acts of generosity grow into a real-live charity?

After months of idea-generating meetings, and many long discussions on the best ways that we could assist those struggling to make ends meet, this small group decided it was time to introduce the Gathering Change mission to others. Four of us hosted parties in our homes, invited friends and neighbors, and shared with these guests our hopes and dreams for Gathering Change. We believed that together we could make a difference. And then we asked for help. And people said “yes.”

Original ten Board Members of Gathering Change, Inc.

Out of these first introductory parties, we were able to create a board of ten women who were committed to donating their time and expertise to guide the initial year of Gathering Change. We also had a growing list of volunteers who were willing to help – either by hosting a GC party, spreading the word, or donating other resources as needed. And with each volunteer, and with each Gathering Change event, we have witnessed the power of small groups of people acting together to benefit others. It has been both remarkable and inspiring to watch Gathering Change become what it is today.

We are proud to say that with the coordinated effort of many volunteers, we have collected over $25,000 to date. Most of these funds came in the form of coin donations. Gathering Change, Inc. has been able to help support a large number of food pantries in our local communities who have been hit hard during these challenging economic times. And the icing on the cake? We have witnessed how generous others can be, even when times are tough. By coming together, sharing our concerns, and giving what we can, the supporters of Gathering Change have made a difference.

As we reflect on the past year, we are so proud of all that Gathering Change has become. We could not have done so much without the generosity of others. And as Gathering Change has grown, so have we all. Thank you!

With much gratitude and appreciation,
The Board Members of Gathering Change, Inc.

“For it is in giving that we receive.”
– Saint Francis of Assisi