Inspired by her time at North Shore Christian School, Isabella Toledo, a recent graduate of the Beverly school, wanted to start a shoe box drive like NSCS’s at her new school, Miles River Middle School in Wenham. Toledo, 11, went on to collect 250 shoe boxes to fill with small toys, school supplies, and toiletries to send to Haitian children through New Missions, which has been supporting the poor on the Caribbean island since 1983. Toledo also raised more than $1,200 to donate to New Missions. North Shore Christian School honored her with the Young Alumni Service Award at a March 9 chapel ceremony.
For 27 years, all Peabody third-graders have visited the birthplace of town namesake George Peabody to learn about his philanthropic life. The students are then asked to write an essay on what they have learned, and the top three are displayed in Peabody schools. The top three students also receive a North Shore Banksavings account, with $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third. This year’s winners were Gwen Schroeder (first), Benjamin Almeida (second), and Michael Waugh (third).
The Saugus Faith Community said goodbye to Rev. Bob Leroe, who is retiring, at its monthly meeting in March. Leroe was an Army chaplain for 25 years and has been a pastor for 17 years at the Cliftondale Congregational Church. He is retiring April 3. He was presented with a gift card for books, and a bouquet of flowers for his wife, Laura.
Hallmark Health employees and guests recently attended a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the Sleep Medicine Centerand the center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. The sleep center will offer complete care by specialists on a wide range of disorders. The weight management and surgery center will work in tandem with the sleep center, helping the hospital provide patients with comprehensive care in one location.
The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley, a program of Family Services of Merrimack Valley, is holding an eight-week support group for suicide-attempt survivors. Anyone over age 18 in need of an understanding community is welcome to join. Attendees must be in therapy at the time of enrollment and throughout the eight weeks. The course is led by Craig Miller, an attempt survivor, and will meet every Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., April 7 to May 26, at Family Services of the Merrimack Valley in Lawrence. Contact Debbie Helms at 978-327-6671.
CHRISTINA BAGNI
Send items to christina.bagni@globe.com.
