Helping Neighbors November 2023
What is prosociality? According to this article in the science journal Nature Human Behaviour, prosociality contributes to better mental and physical health for both individuals and their communities. Activities like volunteering to help others with no expectation of gaining something for oneself have far-reaching benefits, including helping people live longer lives.
We couldn’t agree more! At Newton Neighbors we believe that volunteering not only benefits our community but also promotes overall well-being by fostering a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment. Our core team spread this message far and wide at many community events this Fall. Check out the photos below.
Giving Thanks Gift Card Drive: LAST DAYS!
We are in the last five days of our Holiday Gift Card Drive. Please help our neighbors experiencing food insecurity celebrate the bounty of the season.
The great news is that we are more than 80% of the way to our goal and you can help us cross the line! We don’t have to tell you that food prices are so high for families right now.
With whatever we raise, Newton Neighbors will purchase and distribute supermarket gift cards through partner agencies for at least 165 families in Newton, Waltham, and Brockton. If you are able to make any size donation to help us reach our goal, we know that these families would be so grateful.
Here is the link to donate.
Thank you to those who have already donated so generously!
Out and About in Our Neighborhood
Newton Neighbors team members have been out and about all fall, meeting neighbors, supporting partners and having a blast! Check out these great photos of our encounters.
Go to our website to find out more and sign up to participate in the camaraderie and fun. Hope to see you at one of our next great events!
Call for Volunteers: Food Pantry Delivery
We are looking for volunteers who can help deliver groceries from our local food pantries to our neighbors who are unable to get to the pantries on their own.
Our schedule is:
Tuesdays from Centre Street Food Pantry. Pickup at 12 or 12:15 before the pantry opens to the public.
Wednesdays from Newton Food Pantry. Scheduled pickups between 12:15 - 2:45.
Third Friday of the month from Post 440 Mobile Food Bank. Pickup between 9 - 9:15 before the food bank opens to the public.
It usually takes about an hour of your time and makes a big difference to so many in our community! Sign up here:
November signup sheet: https://volunteersignup.org/E3ACH
December signup sheet: https://volunteersignup.org/43XQQ
Call for Volunteers: Bulk Food Delivery
NN’s bulk food delivery program is looking for short- and long-term volunteers to join us in delivering fresh produce from local food rescue organizations to MetroWest and South Area food pantries. Help bridge that last link in the distribution chain and provide good food to so many who need it. Commitments range from once in a while to once every 4-6 weeks, or even more. Please reach out to us at newtonneighborshelping@gmail.com to volunteer or find out more.
Call for Volunteers: Freedge
Newton Neighbors continues to support the Freedge, Newton Food Pantry’s community refrigerator and pantry initiative. Located in the parking lot of Central Cleaners at 420 Watertown Street in Nonantum, the Freedge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offers free food and personal-care items to anyone in need.
Newton Neighbors oversees volunteers on Thursdays and has volunteer opportunities throughout the day. Activities include picking up food from business partners and bringing it to the Freedge, shopping for items, and cleaning and maintaining the Freedge.
Our link for signups for November and December is here.
Need Help Paying Your Winter Heating Bill?
Massachusetts’ home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. No matter what type of heating source you have, and even if the cost of heat is included in your rent, LIHEAP might be able to help.
Home energy assistance for renters and homeowners is funded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and is provided through local agencies throughout Massachusetts.
Apply now! Contact Newton Human Services at 617-796-1420 or apply online at https://www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP.
November 18: The Fix-It Clinic Is Back!
Saturday, November 18, 10am-1pmNewton Free Library, 330 Homer Street
Do you have a broken item in your home that you know you could fix with the right guidance? The Fix-It Clinic helps folks fix it themselves and istotally free. Bring in a broken household item and a repair coach will guide you through diagnosing and repair. Fix your stuff while learning new skills in a supportive and fun environment.
Categories include small electronics repair, sewing and textiles, lamp repair and rewiring, and more. Please reserve a timeslot with a Repair Coach.
Holiday Gift Drive
Through December 13
Dropoff at any Village Bank location
For the 16th year, The Village Bank is partnering with the City of Newton’s Department of Health and Human Services to sponsor the City’s annual Holiday Gift Drive to bring holiday joy to local children. The Bank invites everyone — customers, neighbors, and all members of the Newton community — to drop off gifts at any bank branch, November 13 to December 13.
Gifts should be new and unwrapped, and for children ages newborn to 10. They may include age-appropriate toys, games, electronics, and sporting goods, as well as gift cards from local merchants.
Gift distribution will take place before Christmas at a date TBA.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Newton Neighbors! Thank you for helping our community celebrate.
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