1.8 min readBy Published On: January 13th, 2022Categories: Features0 Comments on Above + Beyond: Jordan Russell

Lending a Helping Hand

It’s easy to get swept up in the hectic energy of the holiday season. Gifts to buy, trees to decorate, friends and family to see. Sometimes you can forget the true reason for the season – giving back, lending a helping hand and being a good neighbor. But Jordan Russell, a Dorchester resident, understood the Christmas sentiment.

One Friday afternoon, the phone rang at Saint Martin de Porres rectory (formerly St. Ann Church/St. Brendan Church). On the other end of the line, Russell asked if he could organize a toy drive to support the church’s “Giving Tree” initiative – which helps 30 families from Saint Martin de Porres parish. The date would be Sunday, December 18th at Landmark Public House in Adams Village.

Russell, a graduate of St. Ann School, wanted to give back to the community that helped him so much growing up in the neighborhood. Russell was also an active participant in the Religious Education Program, Vacation Bible School, and CYO Basketball all through St. Ann’s parish.  No stranger to lending a helping hand, Russell could be found setting up the school gym for the pancake breakfast or helping the younger students at camp and volunteering at basketball.

Taking his philanthropic efforts to the next level through social media and reaching out to friends, family and alumni from St. Ann and St. Brendan, Russell was able to motivate over 100 people to come to Landmark with toys, coats and cash donations to support the cause. Russell was also able to give a large donation of Stop & Shop gift cards to help buy holiday meals for families in need at Work Inc. 

Being the founder of Keep Going Clothing Co, Russell also organized a pop up shop to sell his apparel with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Giving Tree and Work Inc.

Way to go, Jordan! Thanks for being an amazing neighbor and for going above and beyond!

Make sure to follow Keep Going on Instagram!

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