Ipswich High School Interact leaders of the 2023 Jingle Bell Walk met with Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians last week to announce the revenue from their event, Jingle Bell Walk, nearly doubled from the previous year. They were on hand to present Ipswich Caring with a check for $1,500. Additional proceeds will fund their micro loan projects with Kiva.
For more than 40 years, non-profit Ipswich Caring has assisted Ipswich families in need. With the help of over 200 volunteers, "Ipswich Caring provides financial and in-kind support to youth, adults and families through a variety of programs and services." Like Rotary, this group is dedicated to Service Above Self.
Now in its twelfth year, the Jingle Bell Walk also collected over 100 toys for Toys for Tots. Past District Governor David Gardner generously assumed the role of Santa this year, arriving by boat at town wharf, and leading the Jingle Bell Walk along the Ipswich River to Santa’s Village at Town Hall where he was visited by the children and their families. Santa was ably assisted by Joni Gardner as Mrs. Claus, along with volunteers from Ipswich-Rowley Rotary and the Ipswich Police and Fire departments.
In the photo are Interact members Jenny White, Charlotte Donahue, Annika Johnson, and Jane O’Connell with Ipswich Caring Executive Director Cheryl Forster-Cahill. Photo taken by John Muldoon.