What began as a small act of kindness nearly 30 years ago has grown into one of Boys Town New England’s most cherished holiday traditions. On the morning of December 16, in freezing cold temperatures, employees from Pare Corporation bundled up, stepped outside, and continued their longstanding commitment to the children and families we serve, loading car after car with hundreds of beautifully wrapped gifts chosen specially for local foster kids.
For 29 years, Pare employees have fulfilled holiday wish lists created by children in our foster care and family services programs. This year was no different: 50 children will unwrap personalized presents, toys, clothing, books, and heartfelt items they hoped for, thanks to the generosity of Pare’s four regional offices.
Despite the bitter cold, the atmosphere was warm and full of joy. Gifts were stacked high inside Pare’s Lincoln, Rhode Island headquarters, each one wrapped with care and labeled for its recipient. Outside, Boys Town New England staff and Pare volunteers worked side by side, loading gifts into vehicles to be delivered directly to families across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Each of these gifts represents so much more than a present,” said Marcy Shyllon, Interim Executive Director of Boys Town New England. “They show our kids that there are people in the community who care deeply about them, people who see them, value them, and want them to feel joy during the holidays.”
While Pare’s dedication has shaped this tradition for nearly 30 years, they were not alone in spreading holiday cheer this season. Several local organizations stepped up to ensure even more Boys Town New England kids would feel loved and remembered this Christmas.
● Raise the Bar purchased gifts for 30 children
● Elevated Nutrition purchased gifts for 25 children
● Viking Riders purchased gifts for 16 children
Together with Pare, these partners made Christmas possible for 121 children, providing five gifts per child, a remarkable 605 gifts in total.
This generosity ensures that every child we serve, whether in foster care or receiving family support services, feels special during the holidays. Each wrapped present communicates hope, belonging, and the reminder that there is an entire community standing behind them.
Boys Town New England is deeply grateful to Pare Corporation and to every organization and volunteer who supported our families this year. Your kindness creates real moments of joy and lifelong memories for the children we serve.
