In the last two weeks Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors has focused on supporting local organizations that serve some of our most vulnerable community members. Neighbors gathered food and collected thousands of dollars for Coleman House, a elderly housing facility in Newton that lost much of their food supply due to a power failure after the storm on the 13th. Neighbors also donated enough funds to the Arabic Baptist Church Food Pantry in Newton Corner to buy food supplies the next two months, and helped deliver food from Newton Food Pantry and Centre St Food Pantry to neighbors in need. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed and volunteered for these efforts and others!!
As you can imagine, the need does not end here – in our conversations with partners who work closely with community members deeply affected by COVID-19, we are hearing about the many ways in which families are profoundly struggling during this time. We believe that our community extends beyond the Newton city limits and that it is critical to consider how we can support our neighbors both within and outside of Newton. Many of you have reached out asking for ways to help and we have organized a large, 4-part donation drive this week which will benefit several organizations and communities that are heavily burdened by this crisis. You can contribute any time between now and May 2nd. The houses gathering items for the drives below are all in Newton Centre.
How you can help
Porch Drive #1: Donate non-perishable food for families in Chelsea and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Boston
There continues to be an urgent and growing need for food relief in Chelsea, with the number of families lining up for food increasing greatly as each week goes on. The Salvation Army Chelsea would appreciate NON-PERISHABLE FOOD if you are able to contribute. Items need to be donated by mid-day Tuesday for a Wednesday delivery to the Salvation Army. Any items collected after Tuesday will be donated to SURJ Boston for distribution to families in Boston who also continue to experience great need.
Drop off non-perishable food at 97 Lake Ave in Newton Centre (between Crystal and Laurel)
Porch Drive #2: Donate diapers and wipes
There are many families with young children who need diapers and wipes. Donations will be provided to families in the Early Childhood program at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Waltham, and to families in Newton.
Drop off diapers and wipes at 15 Norwood Ave 1R in Newton Centre (there is a horse statue on side lawn). Drop off by the garage behind the house.
Porch Drive #3: Donate fabric, sheets, and t-shirts
There continues to be a tremendous need for cloth masks at healthcare facilities, housing facilities, and community agencies, as well as other items such as caps. We are asking for donations of 100% cotton fabric, quilting fabric, sheets, and old T-shirts. No flannel, upholstery, or linen please. All donations will be provided to the MetroWest sewing group which will donate what they make to organizations throughout the region.
Drop off fabric, sheets, and T-shirts at 960 Beacon St in Newton Centre
Don’t have items to donate or can’t make it to Newton Centre to drop off? Consider donating towards gift cards for immigrant and undocumented families
Undocumented families are experiencing many of the hardships facing other families but are also ineligible for many of the funds and supports available due to language and information barriers, legal status, and/or isolation. We would like to raise funds for 40 families in this position from East Boston, Revere, Chelsea, and Lynn. This project is in collaboration with Jessica Harper Santos, Lecturer at Brandeis University and Christian Samame who has been doing community work with youth, families, and elders in Latino neighborhoods around Boston for many years. We are aiming to gather funds to buy a gift card of $50 per family. You can Venmo contributions to Jessica’s account: Jessica-Harper-Santos. All contributions will go towards purchasing gift cards which will be provided directly to families.
Thank you for anything you are able to contribute. Your kindness and generosity during this difficult time is so appreciated.
Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors connects community members to support one another and share resources for people who live, work, pray, play and/or learn in Newton. Want to stay involved?
Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors
newtonneighborshelping@gmail.com
