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SALEM, MA — Essex Tech is hoping to spread holiday cheer to hundreds of children in need across the North Shore with its annual Hawk Holiday Hope collaboration with the Department of Children and Families of Salem.
For the first time, teenagers are among those who will receive holiday joy this year.
“What you all do here (at Essex Tech) is so very important,” DCF social worker Cait Hutton said.”Our offices become filled with excitement instead of stress. As workers, we are overwhelmed by the scale of your generosity. We get the opportunity to distribute your contributions to grateful parents who are happy to see us.
“These parents express relief that for one day at least, their children will not struggle to find joy. You fill them with hope that their situation can improve and offer them a reminder that there is good in the world, there are kind and generous people who are eager to offer their neighbors a helping hand.”
The Hawk Holiday Hope initiative is a collaborative effort involving students, staff, families, and local businesses.
“The heart and soul of this program’s success lies in the dedication of our students and staff,” said Cara Moretti, one of Essex Tech’s school adjustment counselors and first-year Hawk Holiday Hope coordinator. “Our teachers go above and beyond to gather gifts internally and from community partners. What makes Hawk Holiday Hope truly special is seeing our teachers and students connect in a unique way, strengthening their bond and fostering a stronger school community.”
Essex Tech senior Lauren Sargent said: “It feels amazing to know I can brighten someone’s holiday season when they need it most. The festive spirit around the school during Hawk Holiday Hope is a great way to kick off the winter holidays and it reminds me of how strong the Essex Tech community is when we all come together.”
Among the Hawk Holiday Hope partners are:
- Harry Jackson
- The Foster Box, Karen Brown
- TracPoint, Danvers
- staff from Angell at Essex
- Laborers Union Local 22
- US Coast Guard Boston Based Chiefs
- Essex Tech PTO
- All of Essex Tech’s students and staff
For more information or to get involved, contact Cara Moretti at cmoretti@essextech.net.
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)