Merry Malden kicks off 7th year with call for sponsors, donations

By Lorna Garey

Merry Malden is a grassroots initiative that looks to bring joy to kids from birth through 18 whose families are experiencing economic hardship. Launched in 2020, the program is now seeking monetary or goods donations and residents to fulfill anonymous wish lists. Wish list shoppers can choose to support one child, multiple children or an entire household, with no minimum or maximum spending requirements.

“We serve more than 300 recipients each year, and our total donations top $8,000 annually,” said Ward 3 Councilor Amanda Linehan, who helped found the group. “We were honored to receive a special award for community service at the City of Malden Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in 2023, and we are proud to have the sponsorship of such organizations as the Local 22 Labor Union, St. Paul’s Parish, the City of Malden, Forestdale Park Senior Living, All-Tech Electric and Zonta International. We have also worked with Bike to the Sea and the Bike Kitchen to get some large donations of used bikes refurbished.”

Ward 4 School Committee member Dawn Macklin, another founder, said Merry Malden was also recognized in 2024 by Zonta with its Women Making a Difference Award.

But the need this year goes beyond toys: Many Malden families are food insecure because of rising grocery costs and changes to SNAP eligibility under the Big Beautiful Bill.

“We’re encouraging sponsors to include grocery gift cards if they can, because we know the need will be greater surrounding holiday meals and food throughout the winter in general,” said Linehan.

Donor organizations generally give one lump donation to spend on gifts, select a certain number of children they would like to help or buy some most-wanted items in bulk. While the group focuses on providing holiday cheer for young people through high school, organizers may make referrals to other programs if families are also food insecure or need help with their housing or utility bills. 

“Legos, Nee-Doh and other squishies, teen makeup, gift cards, Matchbox cars, toy trucks, ride-on toys and baby dolls are always popular,” says Linehan. “We try to follow what’s trending each year as well.”

Wish list matching will begin in early November, giving sponsors ample time to shop. As Linehan mentioned, this year, organizers are making a special request for grocery gift cards as well. 

Those who are short on time but still want to brighten a child’s season can access GiveButter to make monetary donations, which the volunteer team will use to fulfill any wishes that remain. Toy and gift card donations are due by Dec. 10 and can be dropped off at St. Paul’s Parish, or pickup can be arranged. To become a sponsor, fill out the online form, email MerryMalden2026Sponsor@gmail.com or text Macklin at 914-490-9202.