Community Corner
Magic Hat Donates $35K To Marblehead Public Schools
The upscale thrift store's donations now total more than $1.3 million over the past 15 years.
MARBLEHEAD, MA — Nearly six months after the Magic Hat Thrift Shop reopened from the coronavirus-related shut down the Board of Directors were able to continue their mission of using sales proceeds to support Marblehead Public Schools programs with a $35,000 donation.
The donation brings the total of funds gifted to the Marblehead Parent Teachers Association to more than $1.3 million over the past 15 years.
Because of the pandemic, the funds typically ticketed for extracurricular activities and sports could be used for any necessary need this year. Magic Hat said its donation went toward technology needs, the "Halloween Boo Thru" teacher appreciation initiatives, books for the Mock Trial Club, culinary arts equipment, personal protection equipment and online subscriptions.
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The schools also provided community enrichment programs this year, including a performance from the Boston Youth Symphony, African drumming lessons and a virtual dance party with more than 200 participants.
As Marblehead brings back students full-time, new funding will go toward enhancing outdoor spaces for learning and recreation.
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Magic Hat reopened in November with a new layout to allow for physical distancing. The shop recently added a third day of shopping on Thursdays and is bringing back a limited number of school volunteers because of the added hours.
"While the look and some of the rules have changed somewhat due to COVID, including the types of donations accepted, the mission remains the same — to offer new and old customers alike quality merchandise at bargain prices while supporting the Marblehead Public Schools," said Suzanne Pirker, Magic Hat Thrift Shop Board of Directors.
The shop is located at Marblehead Veterans Middle School on Pleasant Street and is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for donations and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for shopping.
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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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