Marblehead School of Ballet Winter Coat Drive
MARBLEHEAD, MA — Though its classes and performances will be held virtually this holiday season, the Marblehead School of Ballet knows the winter cold remains all too real for those in need during the coronavirus health crisis.
The ballet school and the North Shore Civic Ballet will hold a winter coat drive to help neighbors in need Dec. 1 through Dec. 16 in conjunction with its Community Appreciation Week Dec. 13 through 19.
"We thank everyone for supporting us all these years," School Director Paula K. Shiff said of the school's 49 years. "Throughout Community Appreciation Week, we welcome newcomers to the Marblehead School of Ballet's family. During the holiday season, we ask the public to think of people less fortunate suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating a winter coat to our collection drive."
Donations of new or gently used warm winter coats for children and adults, without broken zippers, rips, tears, or stains are welcome.
Anton’s Cleaners will clean the coats free-of-charge.
The cleaned garments will be distributed through the Coats for Kids Partners Distribution Network to a range of organizations, including Massachusetts Community Action Programs, Salvation Army, Women's Lunch Place, DCF, and Catholic Charities.
Donors must contact the school at 781-631-6262 or e-mail msb@havetodance.com first to arrange a date and time to drop off a coat.
Other Community Appreciation Week events include a free, virtual ballet social with "Giselle" on Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants can watch online and discuss The Royal Ballet's rehearsal of "Giselle" featuring Marianela Nunez, Vadim Muntagirov and Natalia Osipova. The American Ballet Theatre's performance of "Giselle" spotlighting Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov will also be shown.
During Community Appreciation Week, new students may attend a drop-in class online and receive a discount with promo code SAVE10 Dec. 4 through Dec. 13. Those interested can also receive a complimentary consultation with Shiff to discuss dance plans, interests customized teaching and learn more about the school's history, classes and opportunities.
This article originally appeared on the Marblehead Patch
