Big Blue Bargains announced a $10,000 donation to the Swampscott Senior Center.
“We are proud to announce a $10,000 donation to the Swampscott Senior Center to support the valuable programs and services they provide for older adults in our community,” Big Blue Bargains announced on Facebook. “Thanks to the generosity of our shoppers, donors, and volunteers that make a difference right here in Swampscott.“
Big Blue Bargains is a volunteer-run non-profit thrift store that reopened under its current leadership in February 2025 in the Clarke School after being closed for five years. Previously, Big Blue Bargains used 1680-square-feet of the school’s portable property, which is connected to the main building. This year, they are adding more space, with two classrooms on the second floor of the main school building.
During a June 3 Select Board meeting, Big Blue Bargains Board member Rachel Taradash said the nonprofit reinvested $28,000 into the Swampscott community during its first year. Taradash said the group has invested $31,000 into the community since moving into the Clarke School, supporting projects such as Sora the comfort dog, benches through the Commission on Disability, Seaglass Village initiatives, and a music-and-movement class at the preschool.
“We were so touched by these extremely generous and unexpected donations,” Director of Aging Services Heidi Whear told the Swampscott Tides. “Big Blue Bargains delivered the first $5,000 the day after our presentation to the Select Board on May 6. And a second check for $5,000 show up very unexpectedly late last week.”
In May, the Swampscott Council on Aging presented to the Select Board the need for more space and staffing at the Senior Center.
Member Suchan Sivam noted that staffing has grown by just 3% despite triple-digit increases in membership, attendance, transportation and meal needs.
Over the last four years, the center has grown:
- 126% in membership
- 138% in daily attendance
- 293% outreach contacts
- 240% meals served
- 141% transportation rides
- 278% volunteer hours
In April, the Senior Center started to use the Clarke School as a satellite location due to the increased demand. On Tuesday mornings, the Senior Center offers chair volleyball. There is also work to create a Maker’s Shed in the space.
“We hope to use funds to address increased demand for van drivers, possibly connecting our residents to some of the terrific programs being organized by Swampscott Rec Department,” Whear said. “We also look forward to increasing meals provided but those plans are still in the works.”
