On Wednesday, August 31st, Colin McGrath would have turned 7 years old. This year, his family and friends decided to celebrate him with a quiet beach day. Colin loved the beach, so it's a fitting place to remember him while playing, laughing, spending quality time together, and spreading joy in his name.

The McGrath family and their friends also do a balloon release every year on Colin’s birthday. This year they’ll be using eco-friendly balloons that evaporate once they reach a specific altitude. Everyone will write messages on the balloons: notes to Colin, memories, words of affirmation, inspirational quotes, etc. The sky is filled with colors and positive thoughts- just one more way to ensure Colin is never forgotten, and that his memory is shared with joy.

The timing of Colin’s birthday always coincides with the start of school for the children of South Boston; Colin would have been starting second grade this year. One way you can remember him while also supporting Colin’s Joy Project and the community of South Boston is by participating in the Back-to-School drive.

The South Boston Neighborhood House (The Ollie) is collecting school supplies through September 2nd. The Ollie is an important part of the Southie community; they provide tools and services for people from birth to the elderly. Its mission is “to support family and neighborhood life in South Boston”, and so its goals and values align closely with those of Colin’s Joy Project.

Because The Ollie services a large number of school-aged children and their families, they work in partnership with Colin’s Joy Project to run a back-to-school drive every August. They are looking for supplies such as crayons, markers, pencils, paper, scissors, and glue, as well as NEW backpacks. Additionally, they’re accepting gift cards to places like Target and CVS, as well as Famous Footwear and Super Cuts. These supplies go directly to the families of South Boston, and they’re also utilized by the after-school and preschool programs funded by The Ollie.

In addition to the school supply drive, The Ollie sponsors a Diaper Depot for families year-round. Families in need can sign up to receive a month’s worth of FREE diapers and wipes, both of which can be an overwhelming expense for low-income families. Colin’s Joy Project sponsors the Diaper Depot 2 months out of the year in order to ease the burden for families in South Boston. You can help by donating diapers and wipes in addition to school supplies during this week; that way, a family can come in to get ready for school and potentially leave with the baby supplies they need to help make their lives just a little bit easier.

Donating is easy! Either drop of your donations directly at The Ollie or have them shipped from the retailer to:

The South Boston Neighborhood House

136 H. Street Boston, MA 02127

This drive has been a huge success in the past. Every kid deserves to start school off on a positive note; with a new haircut and shoes, and a backpack full of supplies, they’ll have the tools and the confidence they need for a successful school year.

Stay tuned for more on the exciting projects Colin’s Joy Project is working on throughout South Boston!