Mario’s Mission is furthering its fundraising efforts to fight substance-use disorder with a toy drive on Friday, Dec. 17.
The nonprofit, which was founded by the Capone-Todisco family, recently broke ground on Nov. 3. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and support to individuals seeking treatment for substance-use disorder in order to achieve long-term sobriety and reintegration into their communities. Growing up in East Boston, Mario Todisco suffered from addiction along with his two older brothers, Anthony and Arthur. Fortunately, he was able to overcome his struggles.
“His final straw was either go to jail or go to treatment. And he chose treatment,” Marissa Capone-Todisco, Mario Todisco’s daughter and Mario’s Mission president, explained. “Now he’ll be celebrating 31 years clean on New Year’s Day.”
However, Anthony and Arthur Todisco were unable to find sobriety, and they both eventually died from drug overdoses.
“He (Mario Todisco) was the only one who was able to go to treatment after many times of trial and error,” Capone-Todisco said. “He wants to use his story to give hope to those who can’t see the light.”
The two main resources the nonprofit plans to offer soon are sober-living scholarships and peer-support meetings. The scholarships directly fund those who have come out of detox and need financial assistance in registering for a sober-living home. However, Capone-Todisco noted that they are able to fund other necessities for people trying to recover from substance-use disorder if necessary.
“If they need clothes but already got a scholarship from somewhere else, we would probably give them a gift card to go get clothes,” Capone-Todisco said. “It would probably be a gift card to Walmart or a gift card to Target.”
The After Hours Peer Recovery meetings will be virtual hour-long weekly evening gatherings aimed at providing service at a time when others might not.
“A lot of these centers close at 5 and people who work don’t have an opportunity to go to a peer-recovery center,” Capone-Todisco said. “So, we want to be able to have something where people could pop in… anyone’s welcome.”
Capone-Todisco has strong faith in the potential of her family’s organization, and a newly secured sponsorship with the New England Patriots only fortifies that belief.
“The hopes are that we’re able to continue to raise money to keep this going and someday further branch into the recovery field with our own treatment,” Capone-Todisco revealed.
Mario’s Mission is partnering with Toys for Tots for its first official event next month. The drive will take place at the Peabody Veterans of Foreign Wars at 12 p.m. Attendees are asked to either donate a toy or a $10 entry fee to support Mario’s Mission. The event is slated to have food, drinks, and entertainment for both children and adults.
Mario’s Mission is still seeking additional sponsorships through Nov. 30 to be recognized at the toy drive.
