Just the thought of a new school outfit and backpack for the first day of school left some Methuen kids jumping for joy.
“They’ve been SO excited all week long!” explained Methuen Arlington Neighborhood youth leader Charlain Nyarko, who’s been working at MAN Inc., all summer. “Did you see them come running down the sidewalk?”
Mall Day is now in its 16th year helping needy Methuen students get ready to go back to school in style.
Weeks prior, 75 children, selected by MAN leaders, were properly sized and provided their favorite colors to First Church Congregational volunteers. Generous donations from the Methuen Exchange Club, Methuen Masons, Mayor DJ Beauregard, Methuen police and fire, Commonwealth Motors and New Balance cover all expenses.
Then on Aug. 15, families headed to the Tenney Street Park to pick up their clothing and supplies.
“Everything is 100 percent donated,” said Lisa Yarid Ferry, who’s been leading the program for 12 years in conjunction with MAN Inc., founder Linda Soucy. “Every group we work with has been especially generous.”
Families check in at a table and a volunteer helps each child collect their personalized items (an outfit, jeans, hoodie, sneakers and backpack).
Little Kelly Menaya beamed when handed her pink backpack and discovered a light-blue top accented with little white flowers; Rayson Mathurin, 7, couldn’t wait to wear his cool blue-and-green New Balance kicks. Both agreed that this day has them looking forward to the first day of school!
Prior to collecting their items, kids made thank-you notes for Methuen police, firefighters and dispatchers. They received “snack packs” with fresh fruit, crackers, juice, etc., from the Methuen Masons and eagerly accepted ice cream (supplied by Mayor DJ Beauregard) from the Police Department’s Freeze Patrol truck.
The Masons have been involved with this program all 16 years and are its largest donor.
When asked why, Mason Rich Dooley explained.
“Nobody does it better. It’s just so well organized. All the planning and time spent to just get here – it’s incredible,” he said, agreeing that with the economy the way it is, school basics are out of reach for many families.
Teresa Ramirez brought her seventh-grade nephew Anthony to pick up his supplies, and she says they’re both impressed with this program and the personal attention given to each child.
“He’s very happy and loves his New Balance sneakers – and that’s saying a lot because he’s 13 and difficult to please,” she smiled.
MAN founder Linda Soucy expressed gratitude for this impactful program and its dedicated volunteers: “This program means so much to the families we serve. The cost of preparing a child for the new school year has increased significantly, and when families have two, three or more children, they are often faced with difficult choices between purchasing school essentials and paying their household bills. We are honored to help ease that burden and give families the opportunity to focus on what matters most—getting their children ready to learn and succeed.
“A heartfelt thank-you goes to all the volunteers, the church congregation, our generous donors, and everyone who played a part in making this event possible. The joy and excitement your generosity brought to these children was truly heartwarming.”
Showing off their handmade thank-you cards for Methuen’s police, firefighters and dispatchers are (from left) Yesly Guzman, Alisha Huisha and Kelly Menaya.
MAN Inc., and volunteers from First Church’s Outreach Team, the Masons and Methuen’s Police Department are some of the folks who make this day possible. Courtesy photo
A long stretch of backpacks awaits pickup by their new owners.
