The Museum of Science in Boston has more than 700 interactive exhibits, each one designed to spark wonder. Whether it's a mock Arctic volcano spewing ash and lava, or a towering triceratops fossil that looms over the museum floor, the museum is a place children can go to feed their curiosity about the world.
Thousands of Massachusetts children and their families have been able to come to the museum for free through a partnership between the museum and the nonprofit Wonderfund, which serves the 53,000 children connected with the state's Department of Children and Families. In addition to museum passes, Wonderfund organizers are also working to make sure those children have joy at home by giving them presents to open for the holidays.
"The partnership began a little over three years ago," said Sue MacLaren, the museum's membership director. "We knew the Wonderfund was all about adding joy and magical moments to childhood."
Wonderfund's goal this holiday season is to have a gift for all 53,000 of those children, including about 10,000 who are in foster care, said Massachusetts first lady Lauren Baker, who serves as vice chair of the Wonderfund Holiday Gift Drive.
“These are kids who have endured some significant trauma in their lives," Baker said. "And the state has stepped in to support them and their families, and try to keep them safe and make sure that they can rebound from whatever trauma that happened.”
To protect their privacy, children who receive gifts open them at home. But Baker said the people who support the nonprofit know they’re impacting children’s lives.
“We receive thank you notes all the time from foster parents and social workers and biological parents telling us about what it was like to be able to give their child the pirate Lego set that they really wanted this Christmas," she said. "And what a smile it puts on the face of a child who's endured some really tough stuff.”
It’s all about sparking that wonder and joy in children, Baker said.
“And these are kids who really deserve to have those special moments of childhood," Baker said. "[That] bring wonder and open their eyes to the possibilities of the future and give them hope. If I could do that for every child in Massachusetts, I would.”
Whether it’s a museum visit, a wrapped present or paying for things like lifeguard certificates or driver’s ed courses, Baker said the people behind the Wonderfund do everything they can to show children that there’s a pathway ahead of them to a hopeful, bright and successful future.
This is the second of four stories this holiday season in the GBH News’ series "The Holidays, A Time for Charity,” profiling local charities making a difference in the lives of families across the state.
