Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1323382
10 COVID DIDN'T STOP GOOD! Not even an unprecedented pandemic could stop an outpouring of compassion and support for students in need," said McCunney. "So much so that in social media we began using the hashtag #CovidCantStopGood," she said. Buttonwood Books in Cohasset supplied books through a book drive dedicated to SOWMA students. High-end, custom furniture maker BirchBarn Designs of Scituate asked SOWMA to name four students in need of desks, and they created handmade, personalized desks for them. An 8-year-old girl held her annual "lemonade" stand in Taunton to raise money for SOWMA—but because of coronavirus health restrictions, she sold lemonade containers instead of lemonade. When quarantine and social distancing made it impossible for companies to collect and deliver supplies, Jack Conway Real Estate CEO Carol Bulman offered her warehouse for storage and drove Conway's brand-new truck meant for home-staging deliveries. Conway's Hingham Manager, Karin Doonan, rallied the agency's 31 branch offices to help collect summer activity kits, backpacks and school supplies. TJ Flanagan of Easton ran his first ever marathon this summer in memory of his late mother Linda, who was a dedicated champion for children and education. Together with his team of 5 runners, Flanagan's sMilesforLinda raised more than $11,000 for SOWMA's students. Massachusetts, including South Shore shelters in Norwell, Weymouth, Plymouth and Brockton. Sharon Crescent Credit Union in Brockton also provides a beautiful, large conference room for students and tutors to meet. "It's heartwarming to see students race up to greet their tutor," said Marketing Director Mal Stanton McCunney. "Our tutors provide that safe haven of reliability, encouragement and one-on-one attention." McCunney recalls tutoring an elementary school student in Brockton who wanted to become a builder so that he could "build a big room for my mom, and a little room for my sister and me." In shelters, families don't have their own rooms and are typically allowed only one Hefty bag of items per family at move in. "Tutoring opens up ideas and networks for students who would otherwise not have access to them," says Education Director Lynn McManus. "Just one hour a week can introduce inspiration, accountability and, most importantly, personal attention." Due to COVID-19, the tutoring program is now remote. Tutors reinforce skills, help with school projects and boost the child's academic and social confidence. They also provide consistency during times of uncertainty, committing to 1-2 hours a week for at least a full term, although most continue through a full academic career. Volunteers 18 and up tutor independently, while those aged 14-17 are accompanied by an adult. They come from all ages and backgrounds and receive training, academic resources and support from SOWMA. If you're interested in making a difference as a tutor, contact tutor@sowma.org or call 508.587.9091. BRIDGE PROGRAM The Bridge Mentoring Program provides mentors to help students