There’s an awesome organization here in Webster which for the last ten years has been working quietly under the radar, doing awesome things for families in need during the holidays.
The aptly-named Making Spirits Bright (MSB) was founded in 2014 with one simple mission: to provide smiles for families in need during the holiday season. For many families in our area, the holidays are not a joyous time, as parents struggle put a decent meal on the table, let alone purchase Christmas gifts for their children.
The organization works with area school counselors and social workers to identify families that need assistance. Then they collect wish lists from each of the family members and begin collecting items.
Over the last ten years, Making Spirits Bright has helped 435 families through holiday-gift giving, dorm room preparations and COVID lock-down. They’ve served countless others by assisting other social services agencies and stocking community food stands.
Since day one, it’s been a labor of love for co-founders Colleen Bedford and Jamie Buss.
“We’re grateful to be here after all these years, spreading sunshine and doing what we love.” Jamie wrote. “Today’s world needs more kindness, compassion and empathy than ever before. We’re proud to be a catalyst for change and thank (the community) for being a part of this journey with us.”
It’s clear they’re not planning to rest on their laurels or pause very long to celebrate this milestone, however. The call has already gone out for donations to support this year’s effort. The goal this holiday season is to serve 65 families, which would bring the ten-year total to 500 families.
Once again this year, the DiMarco Group has graciously donated space in BayTowne Plaza for Making Spirits Bright to use as they collect their donations (in the storefront which right now is Spirit Halloween). Hours of operation will be posted on the MSB Facebook page. The organization has been able to grow considerably due to DiMarco’s generosity.
How you can help
There are several ways you can help:
- Sign up as a group, organization, business or family to help out.
- Adopt an entire family (choose the family size you’re comfortable with, two-person and up)
- Adopt one person (any age/gender identity)
- Organize a collection drive for some of the most needed items, like toiletries, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift wrap, gift boxes and gift cards.
- Make a monetary donation, which are used to purchase items on the list which were not adopted. Any donations, large or small, is appreciated. Contributions can be made via credit or debit here.
If you’d like to volunteer your time and kindness to the organization, click here to fill out a form and they’ll be in touch.
If you have questions, or want to find out how to adopt a family, email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com. You can also get many of your questions answered here on the Making Spirits Bright FAQ page.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.
(posted 9/18/2023)
webster on the web 
Leave a comment