Main Street Bank and Marlborough-based nonprofit Thrive Support & Advocacy have joined forces for over two decades to ease the back-to-school burden for families. This year, their collaboration provided essential school supplies to 40 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they start the academic year prepared and supported.
Key Takeaways
- A long-standing partnership between Main Street Bank and Thrive Support & Advocacy has provided school supplies to students with special needs.
- Community members contributed donations at four Main Street Bank branches.
- The initiative aims to alleviate stress for families during the back-to-school season.
Community Collaboration for a Cause
Thrive Support & Advocacy, dedicated to providing programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, partnered with Main Street Bank to collect and distribute school supplies. This initiative, now a tradition spanning more than twenty years, aims to alleviate the pressures of the back-to-school season for families of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sean Rose, President and CEO of Thrive, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Main Street Bank has been a partner and friend of Thrive’s for over two decades and its generous support and collaboration continues to make a difference in the lives of the individuals we support." He further emphasized the impact of such support, noting, "The back-to-school rush can be an overwhelming time for students with disabilities and their families, so starting off the academic year with one less thing to worry about can make all the difference."
Donation Drive and Distribution
Community members actively participated by donating supplies at four Main Street Bank branches located in Marlborough, Hudson, Northborough, and Southborough. The collected items, including writing implements, notebooks, folders, staplers, binders, backpacks, and glue, were gathered by bank volunteers. Thrive staff then meticulously sorted these donations and packed them into backpacks for the students.
To celebrate the successful drive and welcome the students, Thrive hosted a back-to-school event. Families had the opportunity to pick up the prepared backpacks, connect with Thrive staff, and enjoy various activities, including face painting, a dance competition, a "Spin and Win" game, and a photo booth.
Main Street Bank’s Enduring Support
Main Street Bank, and its predecessor Marlborough Savings Bank, has been instrumental in Thrive’s growth and mission. The bank has provided crucial financial backing for community residences in Worcester County and served as the presenting sponsor for Thrive’s annual fundraiser, "A Prom For All Ages." Additionally, the bank manages numerous business and representative-payee accounts for the organization, underscoring a deep and multifaceted commitment to Thrive’s work.
Sources
- Main Street Bank, Thrive nonprofit support students with special needs, MetroWest Daily News.
