When Jessica Kelly, owner of Isabelle’s boutique in Mattapoisett, worked in the adoption field, she noticed an issue among holiday fundraisers for children – teens were rarely included. Now, five years later, she’s teamed up with local businesses in the tri-town and Old Rochester Regional High School’s AmbassadOR club to raise money so underprivileged high schoolers can get the perfect gift this Christmas.

“People are happy to donate toys for younger kids but often don't think of giving to teens or know what to get for them,” said Kelly. “This age group is too old for toys but too young to have to miss out on the magic of Christmas. Being a local business, we wanted to to be able to give to local teens right here in our community who may not have anything waiting for them under the tree.”

Kelly said the gifts will be something teens actually want, such as gaming systems, certain types of sneakers, Uggs and gift cards.

After teaming up with Isabelle’s and The RopeWalk, ORR’s AmbassadOR club, which focuses on the betterment of the school and community, volunteered to reach out to local businesses for raffle donations. The donations are being put on a raffle calendar and tickets will be sold throughout November.

Winners will be picked daily from Black Friday until Christmas Eve and prizes can be picked up at the RopeWalk in Mattapoisett. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to a fund already set up through ORR and will be distributed anonymously to students in need at the school. A small group of volunteers will handle the funds and purchasing gifts for students who are in need. Teachers and school personnel will make recommendations on students.

“I think that needy teens are overlooked and more attention is given to children because teens are seen as being more independent and more understanding of the [financial] situation,” said Morgan Bliss, a junior at ORR and member of the AmbassadOR club. “I wanted to help out because I think it’s important to give back to those in our community who need it. I myself have been in a situation where money is tight, and I know how hard it can be to feel like you don’t fit in because you aren’t wearing the latest shoes or have the newest iPhone. It’s a great thing for us to do as a community.”

Even in a predominantly upper-middle class community like the tri-town, many people still struggle with monetary issues, especially around the holidays.

“Before the fundraiser, I had never really thought about how close to home these types of issues are. I think it’s important, especially around Christmas, to stop and help the ones who need it,” said Bliss.

This is the first year that Kelly is hoping to coordinate the raffle calendar with other local businesses. Last year, Isabelle’s donated almost $3,000.

By reaching out and involving more people, Kelly hopes to pull the whole community together and highlight some of the tri-town’s local businesses.

“The general idea is shop local, give back at home,” she said.

One ticket will cost $5 and five will cost $20. They will be sold at ORR's Thanksgiving day game through Christmas Eve. Tickets will be available from an ORR AmbassadOR and at Isabelle's. One winner a day will be chosen for thirty days in January.

If community members would like to help, gift cards are welcome from local restaurants such as pizza/coffee shops or stores such as Olympia Sports, Bath and Body Works and Target.

Anyone interested in more information or getting involved is encouraged to contact Jessica Kelly at 508-758-7960 or Principal Mike Devoll at 508-758-3745.