Glam4Good Spreads Holiday Cheer in Boston with Pop-Up and Winter Essentials Drive

The holiday season is often associated with merriment, mountains of gifts and a smorgasbord of food.

But for the silent majority, the holidays can be a stressful time in which the less fortunate are in need of monetary aid, camaraderie and some cheer.

Knowing the poverty rate among Boston’s college student population is as high at 28.2%, per the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Glam4Good — a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting communities by boosting self-esteem and providing clothing and self-care resources — summoned its glam squad to host a pop-up and winter essentials drive to come to the aid of the area’s needy students.

Ahead of New England’s blustering winter, the nonprofit distributed warm coats, hats, scarves, gloves and personal care kits to help students stay focused on the finishing their education with dignity and confidence, per the organizers.

A Joyful Shopping Experience

Research shows that many students in Massachusetts experience hunger and/or homelessness, as well as other types of basic needs insecurity that can serve as barriers to completing their degree.

Glam4Good’s mission aims to address these gaps by offering clothing and hygiene products to support first-generation students and those in the throes of financial hardship. The event served more than 625 students from top Boston-area institutions, including Boston College, Boston University, Emmanuel College, Harvard, MIT, Northeastern University, Simmons University, Suffolk University and the University of Massachusetts, as well as members of the Wily Network.

In partnership with Emmanuel College and The Wily Network, Glam4Good hosted what organizers called a “joyful shopping experience” where students could select winter essentials from generous donations from renowned brands such as Zadig & Voltaire, Ulta Beauty, H&M, Oros and Cohere Beauty. Over 15,000 items of clothing and self-care essentials were distributed.

“The impact of this event is immeasurable,” said Mary Alice Stephenson, founder and CEO of Glam4Good. “As a graduate of Boston University, I know firsthand the challenges that students face when they are trying to balance education with financial instability. By providing these essential resources, Glam4Good is not only helping students stay warm, but we’re empowering them to walk into their classrooms with confidence, knowing they have what they need to succeed. We are grateful for our partners, and for the opportunity to support Boston’s vibrant student community.”