SWAMPSCOTT — Big Blue Bargains, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit thrift store, has launched its 12 Days of Giving event to return the support it received from the community since it first opened in February.
Vice President Laura Lynn explained how the idea to give back to the town came about.
“We wanted to celebrate our community and everything we’ve been able to accomplish in the last 10 months since we first opened. Everything we’ve done wouldn’t be possible without our community… It’s a chance to support other local nonprofits by donating to them, and thanking residents by helping our town run smoothly. We’re taking the time to give back to a community that’s given so much to us,” Lynn said.
She noted that the nonprofit has been able to donate more than $22,000 back to the community since it first opened.
Lynn explained that Big Blue Bargains is currently on day four of its mission to give back to others. On Tuesday, the thrift store sponsored meals for the Department of Public Works employees from Lincoln’s Landing, as a show of support for all it does for the town.
“We’re paying for it, regardless of what they wanted. Whether it was breakfast, or lunch, we wanted to pay for meals for the DPW,” she said.
She said that on day one the thrift store partnered with Toys for Local Children. Members donated 12 items from the organization’s Amazon wish list for kids in need. On day two, the Jewish Student Union at Swampscott High School ran a coat drive, and Big Blue Bargains donated a whole rack of coats to support their cause.
Lynn said those will go to Boston-area families to help them stay warm this winter.
During day three, the Board of Directors rallied at one of their homes to cook homemade meals in support of the meal preparation program for SPUR, a Marblehead-based nonprofit.
“SPUR has a meal delivery program where you cook meals at your house and it gets brought to various programs in town that would benefit from the assistance. These meals were delivered to Lynn Recuperative Care Center,” she said.
Lynn said the thrift store aims to do more surprise food drop-offs to different organizations around Swampscott, as well as supporting initiatives like clothing drives. The Board of Directors are also aiming to continue its collaboration with SPUR.
She added that the response from the community has been fantastic.
“We’ve been getting all sorts of positive comments on social media and people texting us saying how wonderful it is that we’re doing this. I think people are really very excited to live in a community where all of us are supporting each other,” she said.
Lynn continued, “For me, personally, I think that the world can be a scary place right now. To be able to make a tangible difference in our community is a way to remember that there’s humanity and light in this world… I’m really happy to be involved with the 12 Days of Giving, but also to be a part of Big Blue Bargains in general.”
She also expressed gratitude toward the Select Board, School Committee, and Facilities Director Max Kasper for helping Big Blue Bargains secure space to operate at the former Clarke Elementary School.
