Dear Neighbors,
It is hard to believe that Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NNHN) launched just three months ago. In that short time we have watched the number of COVID-19 cases rise across the world and adjusted to the “new normal” of quarantining, social distancing and face masks. We have also watched our screens and streets erupt in outrage at racial injustice across our country and many of us are using resources from organizations like FORJ, to educate ourselves in the fight for racial justice.
In three short months NNHN...
...grew to over 3400 members in the Facebook group
...fulfilled over 170 requests ranging from food to translation just through our Facebook group
...made regular deliveries of essential food for 8 weeks to over 30 families
...distributed almost 240 care packages for seniors and children, raising over $10,000 in revenue for retail partners in Newton
...raised and distributed over $10,000 to organizations and individuals in need of support
...mobilized around countless other projects to support families in Newton and beyond
What you accomplished, neighbor to neighbor, in just three months is astonishing.
We also want to highlight that there is so much more work yet to be done. It is important that we remember that the needs and challenges faced by many families did not start three months ago and these needs and challenges will persist long after this pandemic is over. Thus, it is important we continue to come together, one neighbor at a time, to continue to support one another.
In that spirit, we are reaching out with this week’s request for support. We are organizing our largest porch drive ever for clothing, toys and other supplies for 11 families in Newton, Waltham, and other communities. We are also collecting non-perishable food, Market Basket gift cards, diapers, and wipes for the Brockton Workers Alliance.
What can I donate?
See this spreadsheet for the full list of requested items. As a mutual aid network, not an organization with warehouses and staff to sort through items, we are counting on you to please follow the guidelines below so we can complete this donation drive in a safe manner and reasonable time frame. We also want to be careful not to overwhelm any of the families who might have limited space to store items. We know those who are lucky enough to have more than enough stuff are excited to pass it along, but please make sure each item is a good fit.
Please carefully review these guidelines before donating:
Clothes should be new or lightly used (must be clean and in very good condition - please see graphic below for guidance). Donate only summer and lightweight fall clothes and pajamas in requested sizes only.
Toys and books must be age-appropriate and in very good condition. Families with younger children are especially in need of developmentally-appropriate toys such as balls, playdough, crayons and paper or coloring books, blocks, and nesting cups.
Some families need larger items such as strollers and tricycles. Please check the spreadsheet for specific items and sign up if you can donate these to avoid duplication.
Donate diapers in requested sizes only.
When and where can I donate?
Please check the spreadsheet to identify which items should be dropped off at which porches. You can drop off items any time from Monday June 8th until 7:30pm on Sunday June 14th. If you have stuff that is a fit for multiple families, we know it might require a few stops to donate the right stuff to the right porches - thank you in advance for making sure the appropriate items get to the appropriate porches!
What if I have other items to donate but don’t see them on your list?
If you have other items to give at this moment, please visit the NNHN non-urgent giveaways thread or your local Buy Nothing Group (search Facebook for “Buy Nothing Newton”).
I don’t have items to donate but would like to contribute money
If you wish to contribute financially, please consider a contribution to the Brockton Workers Alliance’s Go Fund Me for their food distribution:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-help-brockton-workers-survive-covid19 We look forward to an ongoing connection with Brockton and the BWA - many folks from Brockton commute to Newton and neighboring towns, and we hope to work with these families on their mutual support initiatives over the coming months.
In closing, we want to take a moment to pause and celebrate all the good that has happened these past three months. Turn up your volume and take a look: https://vimeo.com/427121366
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