Resident Stacey Dalton Cook has organized a stocking drive with the Ruth Kelley Ummi’s House (RKUH), an organization based in a brownstone in Roxbury’s Fort Hill Neighborhood that provides housing and intensive case management to women and children.
Cook and her children have been involved with the program since the death of her brother Michael Dalton, who died from an accidental overdose several years ago. The goal this year is to fill 23 stockings for the families living in the house.
Cook has been involved with RKUH’s Christmas drive since 2019 through the Think of Michael Foundation.
Think of Michael was started by Cook and her family after the death of her brother Michael Dalton who passed away due to an accidental overdose. Since then, the foundation has become an essential part of the recovery community in Lynnfield and beyond, working with other Massachusetts organizations to assist those struggling with addiction.
RKUH, which is named after former Dimock Director of Behavioral Health and aunt of one of Cook’s close friends, Ruth Kelley, was a natural pairing for the foundation.
“Ruth has her own remarkable story and serves as a role model to all who are blessed to know her,” Cook said. “The Foundation is proud to be part of the incredible work that Ruth does.”
This year, the house has 13 mothers and 23 children, which is the most children they have had. The annual stocking drive has garnered so much support over the years that Cook has been able to gift stockings to men at the neighboring John Flowers Recovery Home and young adults at DDS housing.
“It has truly become our most favorite tradition,” Cook said. “Community members have become involved for a variety of reasons, their love for Michael, friendship with our family, or their own connection to recovery.”
Cook has also ensured this quality of generosity that has been shared by the Dalton family and their community is passed to the next generation.
“Each of my own kids have taken a lead on this project through the years,” she noted. “The last two years have been led by Ava, my 16-year-old junior at Lynnfield High School.”
For Cook and her family, providing cheer and much needed support to those struggling with recovery serves as a way to honor the memory of Michael. And while the Think of Michael Foundation has provided their resources in an abundance of avenues, it feels especially important to spread joy at this time of year.
Cook emphasized this when speaking on Kelley, “She is a pillar of strength and truly the spirit of Christmas. I can’t say enough about how incredible she is. Our lives and countless others are better for her.”
To take part in changing lives, RKUH is collecting until Saturday and is still in need of pajamas. If able to donate, reach out at stacydaltoncook@me.com.
