LYNN — When resident Lisa Pressman heard that Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army paused toy donations in October, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Pressman, the founder of Concerned Citizens of Lynn, said she and other members raised over $3,000 in less than a month to buy, wrap and deliver toys to children in the city.
Pressman read on Facebook that a mother of three children was asking for donations toward Christmas presents. Finding out that organizations put a freeze on donations, Pressman posted a comment suggesting that she and the Concerned Citizen’s group could raise money for gifts for families.
“Next thing you know, my messages started to blow up with responses, and that’s when we decided to start the fundraiser in December,” Pressman said.
The group began fundraising on Dec. 1, and received over $3,000 from residents across the city. They also held a toy drive for families in need during the holiday season.
Pressman and others delivered the gifts in a red Ford SUV decorated with colorful Christmas lights and an inflatable snowman sitting in a hot-chocolate mug. Deliveries took place throughout December. The car was also featured in the Lynn Christmas Eve Parade, which Pressman thought was meaningful.
“When we finished our last delivery on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. we traveled to participate in the parade,” said Pressman. “It felt like something more this year after we delivered the toys.”
Pressman added that she wanted the group to raise funds for halfway houses and nursing homes across Lynn, but said that they ran out of time. She hopes to do another fundraiser in the future, possibly around Valentine’s Day.
“It does not have to be around Christmas,” Pressman said about the future fundraiser. “Let’s do it anytime ― there shouldn’t be a set date.”
Pressman has lived in Lynn for over 54 years, and established Concerned Citizens of Lynn this past summer. It became a nonprofit organization in October, and has 500 members and an advisory board.
The group’s mission statement is to make the city of Lynn a “better, safer and happier place,” by listening and helping residents in local matters, such as civics. One example of the group’s city involvement was the candidate forum for the Lynn mayoral election they held in August.
“Back in the day, people worked together to get things done when City Hall could not,” Pressman said. “We’re here to bring people together.”
Pressman said the group is creating a television program on Lynn Community Television next year, which will focus on city and resident needs.
“I’m excited about the television program. It’s going to be great,” Pressman said.