'Front Steps Project' Creator Raised Over $25K: Needham Hero

NEEDHAM, MA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes

This submission comes from Rick Vincent who nominated Kristen Collins.

Where the nominee lives:
Needham

Name of the nominee:
Kristen Collins

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
She is a marketing and public relations consultant, an outstanding volunteer and a fantastic mother.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?:
Kristen created The Front Steps Project. Out of a desire to help her local community both financially and emotionally, she enlisted the help of a friend, who is a photographer, to take pictures of families who were on their front steps. In return for the photo op, the families were asked to make a donation to the Needham Community Council. Commencing March 18, Kristen quickly lined up hundreds of families and, the help of her friend, a few more photographers to take photos and spread cheer across Needham. Due to the Essential Workers Order issued by Governor Baker on March 24, out of concern for her fellow citizens, Kristen suspended operations. Nevertheless, her extraordinary efforts helped raise over $25,000 for the Needham Community Council and brought smiles to scores of families. Most importantly, her idea went viral both nationally and globally. She received inquiries from major television networks as well as local ones and recognition from major newspaper publishers. Currently there are over 400 photographers who voluntarily replicate her program and who have raised $850,000 (and growing) for vital local organizations such as food pantries, hospitals, local businesses, animal shelters, etc. Kristen hopes to resume operations on May 18 or as soon as the state reduces the ban that will permit her do so. You can learn a lot more about this important movement by visiting the website, www.thefrontstepsproject.com.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Kristen is a very dedicated and compassionate person driven to tackle any challenge head on. She is relentless in her desire to do as much good as she possibly can. At times overwhelmed by how quickly her idea caught fire and spread and demanded an ever increasing amount of her time, she was driven to make the project succeed and grow.

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.