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By Jill Harmacinski , Staff Writer
METHUEN – They used to pile all the toys, stuffed animals and toothbrushes on tables in a garage.
But now, thanks to Sal Lupoli of Lawrence, three schoolgirls who run a local charity have warehouse space to work with.
Last week, the girls behind Debbie’s Treasure Chest moved into space at a Merrimack Street warehouse near Sal’s Restaurant. The donation was the latest for the charity, which collects toys and other items for children in Department of Social Services custody.
The Sons of Italy, Northern Essex Community College, 3M and Greater Merrimack Human Resources Association have all made recent donations to the charity.
Maxine Harvey, 11, her sister, Talia, 7, and Anna McCabe, 12, all work together to collect items for children in DSS care. They load up backpacks with items they can give to children when they have to leave their homes or when they are placed in foster homes.
“Sometimes, they can only take a bag full of things with them,” said Maxine Harvey, explaining the need for donations.
The nonprofit organization is named after Debbie D’Iorio, a longtime area social worker who died last November.
The group recently raised $4,500 at a Spring Fling fundraiser. Last winter, the group collected 6,500 items during a toy drive. Toys, games and new clothes were all donated to the Lawrence DSS office.
“I’m really glad I can help,” Maxine said.
For more information about the charity, check out www.debbiestreasurechest.org.