Many people know the holidays are a time of rest, joy, reflection, and giving; however, it is easy for people to shy away from giving to others, as it can be perceived as daunting. However, in Scituate, there is an organization created 35 years ago by Scituate resident Susan Phippen to make this task significantly easier and more impactful. Growing from a small initiative to provide presents under the tree for every child in town, Scituate Community Christmas (SCC) extends beyond the holiday season, providing year-round support for families or individuals in need. With the holidays approaching, it is a perfect time to get involved and help our community thoughtfully.
In 1989, Susan Phippen created the Community Christmas organization with a simple goal: “To ensure that every child in Scituate woke up with presents on Christmas morning,” commented Board of Directors Emily Anderson. Over the past years, this initiative has aided countless individuals.
This year, in order to shed light on the teenagers, who “people often forget about,” says Anderson, SHS is hosting a special gift drive. With items like “cozy blankets, perfume, and sports gear,” SHS students are contributing to the SCC organization, aiding the town of Scituate as a whole.
Other donation opportunities include the “Giving Tree, located at the SCC headquarters at 125 Mann Lot Road,” noted Anderson. Decorated with gift tags listing specific items needed, the tree provides a simple way to make an impact on others in the community. A three-step process, taking a tag off the tree, buying the gift on the tag, and returning the gift to the Christmas Cottage, makes for an easy way to add some holiday magic to the people of Scituate.
Tara Corcoran, a driven SCC volunteer, explained how the organization makes the holidays special for needy families. Scituate Community Christmas “lessens the burden on parents during a time when the pressure to provide a perfect holiday can be overwhelming,” she said. Being a mom of two boys, Corcoran understands the value of always wanting the best for your children and wanting to see them smile, a feeling she cherishes. However, the impact of SCC goes beyond simply the holidays. The devoted groups at SCC orchestrate aid with resources, including school supplies, summer camp fees, gas money, and groceries.
For SCC donor Tyla Quirk, giving back to the community is a crucial part of not only the holiday season but the whole year. Following the traditions her parents taught her when she was growing up, Quirk said she values “helping our community and also teaching my kids how important it is to help others, especially during the holidays.” Quirk added, “It is clear that SCC has done so much for so many people in our town. When you hear the stories or see them firsthand, it makes you want to be a part of this organization no matter how big or small that role may be.”
If you’re interested in contributing, the best way to make an impact is to start by visiting SCC’s website (https://scituatecommunitychristmas.org/). You could also start by taking a tag off of the Giving Tree or signing up for the e-newsletter. Whether it is through physical donations, time spent volunteering, or donating financially, every contribution makes an impact.
Giving back is now easier than ever and visibly impactful for our community. “Scituate is a place where people will do anything for each other. Our community rallies around those in need like no other,” stated Corcoran.