Spring is in full swing, and so are we at Newton Neighbors. Join us in supporting our community by donating to the diaper drive, participating in a community gardening project, delivering groceries, volunteering at the Freedge, and celebrating our teachers.
April 30 - May 13: Citywide Diaper Drive May 14: Diaper Pickup
One in three families struggle to afford diapers, making it even harder for them to buy food and other necessities. Support local families who need diapers!
Sizes requested: newborn — 6
Open boxes are welcome, but please put diapers in labeled plastic sleeves or bags.
Donate diapers at:
FamilyACCESS of Newton (492 Waltham St, West Newton) Drop off inside the front doors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm when the building is open. Look for a table with a diaper dropoff sign. NO weekend dropoffs.
FUUSN church (1326 Washington St, West Newton) Drop off 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday-Friday. Enter the back door, and turn left. Follow hallway to Children's Chapel (last door on the right before entering Parish Hall).
American Legion Nonantum Post 440 (295 California St, Nonantum) Drop off in the main office 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From the parking lot, enter the glass doors, up the steps, and turn left.
Porch dropoff (33 Hamlin Road, Newton Centre) Leave your donation on the front porch.
Purchase diapers from our Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3FCHV3B4I8TWO?ref_=wl_share. Diapers will be shipped directly to one of our collection points.
Pick up free diapers for your family on May 14, 7:30am - 12:30pm, at:
American Legion Nonantum Post 440 (295 California St, Nonantum)
FamilyACCESS of Newton (492 Waltham St, West Newton)
Calling All Gardeners
Get your hands dirty! NN is partnering with the Newton Housing Authority to help senior residents with a variety of gardening projects. We are looking for volunteers in two areas:
Partner with a Newton senior to help with various gardening tasks, from repotting indoor plants to supporting experienced gardeners. There is an array of different needs appropriate for all volunteers. We will support your efforts by providing funds for necessary supplies, coordinating with residents, and helping with logistics. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/mr452nzz
Work with other volunteers to plant a pollinator garden at a NHA property. This is a great opportunity to learn more about native plants from our partners at Newton Community Pollinators Project and Newton Community Farm. We are looking for volunteers on Saturday, May 7, and Thursday, May 19. Sign up here https://tinyurl.com/2ban9kdf
Food Pantry Delivery: Looking for Volunteers for May
Deliver food from food pantries in Newton to families who are unable to access the pantries themselves. We need drivers for May.
Delivery usually takes about an hour to complete. You can sign up to deliver during one or more of the following times:
Wednesday afternoons from Newton Food Pantry, pick up food at assigned delivery times between 12-3pm.
The 1st Saturday of the month from Centre Street Food Pantry, pick up food between 1:30-2:30pm.
The 3rd Friday of the month from the American Legion Nonantum Post 440 Mobile Food Bank, pick up food 9 - 9:15am (before the pantry opens to the public).
Sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/Y9F4P
Transport Bulk Food from Food Rescue Organizations Area Food Pantries
Newton Neighbors’ bulk food delivery program is looking for volunteers to join us in delivering fresh produce from local food rescue organizations to MetroWest food pantries. If your availability is different during the summer, we may have a spot for you, so let us know! Please reach out to us at newtonneighborshelping@gmail.com to volunteer or find out more. Help bridge that last link in the distribution chain and provide good food to so many families in need!
Sign up to support Newton’s Community Freedge!
The Freedge is a free 24-hour community refrigerator and pantry. We continue to have a great experience with our wonderful volunteers who deliver food from Freedge business partners to the Freedge every other Thursday. If you are interested in volunteering with us, sign up at volunteersignup.org/A8XF9.
May 3: Newton Schools Foundation Celebrates Teachers
Newton Schools Foundation is hosting its 11th annual Newton Inspires event on Tuesday, May 3, 6 - 8pm, at Angier Elementary School. This year the Foundation is celebrating creativity in the classroom and featuring the incredible work our teachers do everyday to inspire our students. Tickets are $35 per person. Click here to purchase a ticket. Thank our teachers for the great job they are doing!
Newton Food Pantry is hiring!
The Newton Food Pantry is hiring a full-time Pantry Manager. Led by a committed volunteer Board and working alongside a robust corps of over 200 volunteers, the Pantry Manager will develop and implement plans that meet the Newton Food Pantry’s strategic objectives, including expanding client reach and improving client experience. Review the job description here and send your questions and recommendations to Sindy Wayne, Newton Food Pantry Vice President.
The unrelenting need in our community has made it impossible to remain an all-volunteer-run nonprofit without paid staff. The Pantry now serves over 1,800 members of the Newton community. The number of client visits and deliveries has increased almost threefold since 2018, rising from 3,525 to over 10,000 by the end of 2021 — and these numbers continue to grow! Having a full-time Pantry Manager will ensure the organization’s sustainability by extending our outreach, growing our client base, and expanding our distribution hours. We will be able to accommodate even more struggling members of our community.
Thank you, Newton Food Pantry, and thank all of you at Newton Neighbors for your contributions to our community!
Newton Neighbors accepts tax-deductible donations through our fiscal agent, Newton Community Pride. If you would like to make a donation, please do so here. Or mail a check to: 1294 Centre Street, Newton 02459. Thank you for your support!