LYNN — When Rich Sullivan II was asked why he decided to give away toys and clothes for children at Bridge House family shelter, he repeated the words his father, Rich Sullivan I, said to him as a child:
“There are two types of people in this world, a giver or a taker. I think it’s best to be a giver rather than a taker.”
Sullivan, the owner of the R.F. O’Sullivan’s restaurant in Lynn, spent his weekend buying toys, clothes and other items that children from the shelter asked for this year for Christmas. Some of the toys include stuffed animals, action figures and even a specially requested Xbox One owned by Sullivan personally. He delivered the toys to Bridge House on Tuesday.
Sullivan said he always wants to give back to the community during the holiday season, and was disappointed he could not participate around Thanksgiving this year due to a turkey shortage. He said he’s happy bringing gifts to those in need this year.
“We went on a shopping spree and bought everything,” says Sullivan. “I wanted to make up (for) Thanksgiving this year by giving to children in shelters who need this the most.”
Additionally, Sullivan spent Monday delivering gifts to the Boys & Girls Club in Lynn. He hopes to continue this tradition of giving to the community every year.
“I am hoping to make this a yearly thing,” said Sullivan. “It is a great thing for the community.”
Sullivan said he lost count of how many toys and clothes he bought for the children. “There is no price tag on a kid’s smile,” he said.
Bridge House is one of three family shelters established by the Lynn Shelter Association. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development supports the three shelters, and refers families through the Department of Transitional Assistance.
Many of the families and children who live in Bridge House suffer a degree of trauma. The Lynn Shelter Association provides direct care, child care and three meals each day to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for these families.
Johanna Caro, one of the program directors at Bridge House, said she is grateful for Sullivan’s donation and that the children will be very excited this Christmas.
“I feel great that there are people in the community that are helping with the shelter. It is a wonderful donation and the children will be so happy,” said Caro.
