Catching Joy COVID-19 Marathon: 26+ Ways to Make a Difference

In an immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maxwell Surprenant ‘22 launched the Catching Joy* COVID-19 Marathon: 26+ Ways to Make a Difference. Maxwell empowers youth to get informed, get involved, raise their voice and take action. Throughout the next several months, he’s organizing hands-on, creative projects that allow kids, teens, families, and teachers opportunities to #DoGoodFromHome and help essential workers and people most vulnerable. Catching Joy is making masks for healthcare providers, collecting hygiene and cleaning products for shelter homes, donating books and art supplies to underserved communities, and finding ways to raise awareness and funds for important causes.

During this lockdown, Maxwell aims to spread empathy, gratitude, and kindness. He said, “We have a responsibility to do what we can. And in the process of lifting others, we all stay buoyant.”

Maxwell invites the St. Sebastian’s community to join Catching Joy’s initiative, “The Heart Project,” in which kids and adults decorate heart cards with positive messages of love and hope. Maxwell set a goal of 1000+ hearts, and he’s already distributed close to 500 hearts along with basic necessities that people need. Hearts have been delivered to COVID-19 Isolation and Recovery Centers in Lexington, Pittsfield, and Taunton, Boston’s Floating Hospital for Children, Mass General Hospital, Boston Public School families, Boston Rescue Mission, The Pine Street Inn, and many senior living centers.

Please send hearts to Catching Joy, Inc., P.O. Box 125, Waban, MA 02468. For more information, see www.catchingjoy.org. or contact Max at joy@catchingjoy.org.

*Founded in 2008, Catching Joy, Inc. promotes youth volunteerism and acts of kindness. Maxwell serves as the Co-Founder and Creative Director. In the last 12 years, he has aided 60 nonprofits and impacted more than 60,000 people. Last spring, Maxwell delivered his TEDxTalk: “Youth’s Power and Passion Can Change the World”