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Community Invited to Donate to Marblehead School of Ballet and North Shore Ballet’s Sixth Annual Winter Coat and Pajama Drive

Summary: The Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet are holding their sixth annual winter coat and pajama drive. Local residents and businesses are invited to donate new and gently used winter coats for all ages and new pajamas for children, from infancy to age 6.

(Marblehead, Massachusetts; October 7, 2025) – The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) and the North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB) are holding now their sixth annual drive to collect winter coats and pajamas to help our neighbors in need. The drive runs now through December 14. The coats will be given to Anton's Cleaners to be cleaned and donated to Coats for Kids and Families Partners Distribution Network. To help vulnerable local families stay warm this winter, the drive is collecting new pajamas for children ages 0 to 6 to be donated to Lynn Economic Opportunity and help.

           "For over five decades, the Marblehead School of Ballet has been a vital part of the North Shore community. We are deeply grateful to our supporters, who have made our work possible. This fall and winter, we invite the community to join us in spreading warmth by donating gently used or new winter coats for individuals of all ages, as well as new pajamas for children in need," said Paula K. Shiff, Director of MSB.

           "The North Shore Civic Ballet is committed to supporting families and children experiencing hardships during the challenging winter months. Building on the success of our previous donation drives, we invite the community to participate and donate new or gently used winter coats for people of all ages and new pajamas for children from infancy to six years old," said Rosemary Grant, member, North Shore Civic Ballet board of trustees.

Help Our Neighbors: Winter Coat and Pajama Drive

            The MSB, a dance studio based in Marblehead, Massachusetts for 54 years, and the North Shore Civic Ballet, a not-for-profit dance company providing performances and arts education to the Greater Boston community for 51 years, are holding the winter coat and pajama drive. Donations of new or gently used warm winter coats for children and adults, without broken zippers, rips, tears, or stains are welcome, and Anton’s Cleaners will clean the coats free-of-charge. The cleaned garments will be distributed through the Coats for Kids and Families Partners Distribution Network to a range of organizations, including Massachusetts Community Action Programs, Salvation Army, Women’s Lunch Place, DCF, and Catholic Charities. 

            The new pajamas will be donated to Lynn Economic Opportunity, a nonprofit in Lynn, Massachusetts, to give to children in need. This agency is one of the largest providers of early education and care in southern Essex County, working with children and families.

            Bring your winter coats or pajamas to the dance studio, located at 115 Pleasant Street in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Supporters of the drive must contact the school at 781-631-6262 or e-mail first to arrange a date and time to drop off donations.

About Marblehead School of Ballet

            The Marblehead School of Ballet, founded in 1971 by Paula K. Shiff, has earned a wide reputation for the excellence of its training and integrity of purpose. Classical ballet forms the core of teaching with particular emphasis on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. The sheer pleasure of dance and music is always central to the classroom experience.

            The basic graded program for children includes classes in ballet technique with advanced work in repertoire and pointe. The school also offers a modern dance department, classes for young children in creative movement and classes in improvisation and technique for the older student. A full range of adult classes is offered.

            The MSB is home to the North Shore Civic Ballet Company (NSCB). The NSCB gives concert performances and a variety of educational programs for schools; all are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.

About North Shore Civic Ballet Company

            The North Shore Civic Ballet, a not-for-profit dance company based at the Marblehead School of Ballet, has provided performances and arts education to the Greater Boston community for 51 years. Artistic Director Paula K. Shiff and Associate Director Florence C. Whipple founded the company in 1974.

            The NSCB is home to an ever-changing group of talented dancers made up of both seasoned professionals and aspiring young dancers. For several years, Ivan Korn, resident choreographer, has created a range of work for the ballet company.

             For further information about the Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail or visit www.marbleheadschoolofballet.com and http://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/ballet/the-company/. Follow the MSB and the NSCB on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSB_ballet.

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