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Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet Rally Community to Warm Local Families This Winter

--The Seventh Annual Winter Coat and Pajama Drive Runs Now Through December 12.--

Summary: The Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet announce the Seventh Annual Winter Coat and Pajama Drive, during the school’s 55th anniversary celebration. The drive seeks donations of new and gently used winter coats and new pajamas for children to support families in need throughout Massachusetts.

(Marblehead, Massachusetts; October 12, 2026) – The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB), a dance studio celebrating its service in the community for 55 years, and the North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB), a not-for-profit dance company providing performances and arts education to the Greater Boston community, are launching their Seventh Annual Winter Coat and Pajama Drive. Running now through December 12, this community initiative is part of MSB's 55th anniversary celebration and reflects both organizations' commitment to serving the community to help children and families in need.

To help vulnerable local families stay warm this winter, the drive is collecting donations of new and gently used winter coats for people of all ages in good condition, without rips, tears, broken zippers, or stains. The donated coats will be cleaned free of charge by Anton's Cleaners and distributed through the Coats for Kids and Families Partners Distribution Network to Massachusetts Community Action Programs, the Salvation Army, Women's Lunch Place, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF), Catholic Charities, and other organizations.  New pajamas are also being collected for children ages 0 to 6 that will be donated to Lynn Economic Opportunity, one of the largest providers of early education and care in southern Essex County. 

"This drive reflects our dedication to the community that has supported our school for 55 years," said Paula K. Shiff, Director of Marblehead School of Ballet. "We encourage everyone to donate new or gently used winter coats and new pajamas. Providing warm coats and pajamas is a simple, powerful way to make a real difference in families’ lives in our community."

"The North Shore Civic Ballet is proud to partner with MSB on this meaningful initiative during the school’s special 55^th anniversary year. Building on the success of our previous donation drives, we invite the community to participate and contribute 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 of the North Shore Civic Ballet Board of Trustees.

How Can You Donate?

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

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 52 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 or send an e-mail. Follow the MSB and the NSCB on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSB_ballet.

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