BOSTON, MA – If you noticed a bit more celebration than usual walking through Prudential Center last week, you were probably catching joy from the contagiously positive non-profit that lit the Boston skyline with color.
Founded in Boston, Catching Joy has served as an inspiration and valuable resource for parents eager to teach their children at an early age how to give back. “Catching Joy is a nonprofit that promotes volunteerism beginning with young people. We organize hands on community service events to teach young people the responsibility and the joy of giving,” explains Maxwell Surprenant, co-founder.
Maxwell was just 5 years old when he and his family launched the 501(c)3. On December 28th falling just in time to celebrate their 15th anniversary, the non-profit was selected by Prudential Center to light up the building as part of their #31NightsofLight campaign. “My fondest memories are always around the holiday season. We started out making ornaments that go on trees that go to homeless shelters, and doing our winter warmth drives at the very beginning, so it’s been pretty nostalgic for me to do the winter warmth drive this year.”
What’s the vibe?: From cake to cards, songs to silliness, Catching Joy brings the smiles to acts of service at events made fun for all ages.
Serenading the crowd with the non-profit’s anthem, the Stacey Peasley Band performed alongside the Hearts & Noses clown group to help ring in 15 years of giving through Catching Joy.
“A lot of times parents want to find ways that their children can get involved and be charitable, but they don’t always know exactly how,” explains Stacey Peasley, singer/songwriter and supporter of Catching Joy. “Between the items they collect, making blankets, making arts and crafts, making cards, different seasons..I think there’s so many ways to get involved.”
Blossoming over the years from hyper-local into a national movement, the non-profit is anticipating growth to spread kindness worldwide in 2024. Starting with heart cards, a tradition of thoughtful messages crafted by children of all ages. “We feel that adding the heart cards adds a personal note that often is missing, and ties the recipient and the giver closer together,” says Maxwell.
Janet & Paul Reynolds, co-owners of the Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham, spoke to the large impact the organization has had within the walls of their own small business. “Catching Joy has been a part of our story at the Blue Bunny for 15 years,” smiled Paul. “The fact that Joy and Max are truly bringing joy to the max through some of the hardest years and they keep on going..it’s brought joy to us, our family and the entire community.”
To learn more about Catching Joy, visit their website.
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Emmalyn Reid 