Every Child Deserves to Smile
As of the spring of 2025, our Every Child Deserves to Smile (ECDS) project has been discontinued, as the families who were served by it are no longer located in the Saugus area. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who was able to donate items and their volunteer efforts of time in support of this meaningful mission to help community members in need.
Since, 2011, the ECDS project remained a strong supporter of homeless children and their families residing in a motel setting here in Saugus. The ministry's mission was to provide a ray of light in the lives of children residing in motel accommodations along the Route 1/99 corridor. In the past several years, our ministry grew from the delivery of a collection of books to include preparation & delivery of meals, organization and delivery of birthday parties-in-a-bag, and collections of basic, essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and diapers.
Over a period of 14 years, with the help of several volunteers, much was accomplished:
· Collecting necessary items--from diapers and clothing to paper products and summer activities.
· We responded to a specific plea for aid in procuring back-to-school clothing.
· The project supported the Saugus Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive and the Back-to-School supplies collection held by Mass. Coalition for the Homeless, both of which assist the children residing in the motel our ministry
reaches.
· Networked with area churches and support services and served as the liaison to maximize the aid we can render
to a homeless child and family in our community.
This ministry reached beyond the doors of St. John’s and into the community. Our volunteer workforce grew and was strengthened by many lifted their hands and hearts in service and prayer.
In a collaborative effort with members of three Saugus churches, we strived to increase the impact in our community and in the lives of homeless children.
“Thank you to all the smile makers who believe in the preservation of a child’s childhood. Your offering of love and kindness is the inspiration which drives the Every Child Deserves to Smile ministry. The giving of one’s self and time lights a light within. May your light shine through you and be a beacon for those who have not yet felt that uplifting experience.” Jeanne Seaboyer, Project Chair
Since, 2011, the ECDS project remained a strong supporter of homeless children and their families residing in a motel setting here in Saugus. The ministry's mission was to provide a ray of light in the lives of children residing in motel accommodations along the Route 1/99 corridor. In the past several years, our ministry grew from the delivery of a collection of books to include preparation & delivery of meals, organization and delivery of birthday parties-in-a-bag, and collections of basic, essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and diapers.
Over a period of 14 years, with the help of several volunteers, much was accomplished:
· Collecting necessary items--from diapers and clothing to paper products and summer activities.
· We responded to a specific plea for aid in procuring back-to-school clothing.
· The project supported the Saugus Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive and the Back-to-School supplies collection held by Mass. Coalition for the Homeless, both of which assist the children residing in the motel our ministry
reaches.
· Networked with area churches and support services and served as the liaison to maximize the aid we can render
to a homeless child and family in our community.
This ministry reached beyond the doors of St. John’s and into the community. Our volunteer workforce grew and was strengthened by many lifted their hands and hearts in service and prayer.
In a collaborative effort with members of three Saugus churches, we strived to increase the impact in our community and in the lives of homeless children.
“Thank you to all the smile makers who believe in the preservation of a child’s childhood. Your offering of love and kindness is the inspiration which drives the Every Child Deserves to Smile ministry. The giving of one’s self and time lights a light within. May your light shine through you and be a beacon for those who have not yet felt that uplifting experience.” Jeanne Seaboyer, Project Chair