Edith Dodge Memorial Fund, Inc. was named in honor of Edith Dodge, a vibrant senior and the first Senior Center Director in Marblehead. In 1973, she commandeered the old Marblehead Spanish American War Veterans Building on State Street and created Marblehead’s first Senior Center. Her recognition that isolation too often led to loneliness and depression was well before our current understanding. She strongly believed in the need for a gathering place to have a cup of coffee; play a game of cards; meet new and old friends; have a good chat or gossip; solve the world’s problems; and support one another. Edith also raised funds to purchase a sixteen-passenger van to assist with elder transportation challenges.
Originally called the “Holiday Elderly Fund,” Edith spearheaded another fundraiser to be used for distribution of gifts to Marblehead residents 90 and older living at home. Initially she found that most refused very basic, but much needed gifts, such as slippers or bathrobes as charity. It took some wily thinking on her part to convince these proud men and women that the gifts were warranted.
Gifting over time has had many faces. Now incorporated as a nonprofit organization, the focus continues to carry on Edith’s purpose and goals forward. Tasty gifts are delivered to Marblehead residents 80 years and older at home, as well as those in senior housing and the Mariner. Residents of the Lafayette, Devereux House and the Mariner Memory Care as well as former “headers” in several neighboring extended care facilities, receive soft, fleece blankets or stuffed animals, perfect for naps and laps.
Each year during the first week of December, Board members, individual volunteers and several local organizations gather to assist with the wrapping and distribution of cookies, clementines, stuffed animals and blankets. In today’s world, many elders are living longer, stronger lives. Winters spent in warmer climates and active local social lives near home are not available for our older population. For many, a knock on the door means more than delivery. Our volunteers not only bring along the sweetness of cookies or clementines, they pause to chat, listen and brighten someone’s day—perhaps the single moment of connection, laughter and warmth in many days that lingers long after the last bite. ‘
This long tradition of bringing a bit of joy during the many winter holidays has become a symbol of kindness and community. This tradition has become a symbol of kindness and community, reminding older adults that they are treasured and never forgotten.
Your donation keeps this tradition shining bright. Donations may be made throughout the year in memory of (or to honor someone special) to:
Edith Dodge Memorial Fund, Inc.
P. O. Box 1402
Marblehead, MA 01945
Donations may also be dropped in the Edith Dodge Memorial Fund Boxes at the National Grand Bank.
Thank you for your support!!!!
