Dear Neighbors,
With a cold and rainy Memorial Day weekend behind us, let’s look forward to bluer skies in June! As we start the summer months, here’s how you can help your neighbors.
NNHN Summer Camp Fundraiser Success
But first, thanks to your generosity, we raised almost $10,000 to help send 19 students to camp this summer! You helped make it possible for children, some of whom have never attended camp before, to enjoy two weeks to a full summer of camp at Parks and Rec, Space Camp, NCE, Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA. On behalf of the campers and their families, we thank you, neighbors!
Freedge Donations and Volunteer Opportunities
Donate: The Newton Community Freedge, a free, outdoor refrigerator and pantry, is located in the parking lot of Central Drapery and Dry Cleaning at 420 Watertown Street in Nonantum. You are welcome to donate fresh and non-perishable food as well as supplies such as diapers and hygiene items. Donation guidelines here.
Volunteer: Newton Neighbors is looking for volunteers for our summer shifts at the Freedge. Each shift needs several volunteers to cover a variety of activities.
To sign up to be a Freedge Volunteer on the following dates, please click below:
June 10: https://volunteersignup.org/LTCF8
June 24: https://volunteersignup.org/8FHDE
July 22: https://volunteersignup.org/BLWFK
August 5: https://volunteersignup.org/8Q847
August 19: https://volunteersignup.org/XJPYK
Food Pantry Delivery Drivers
Newton Neighbors is looking for additional drivers for contactless grocery delivery from local food pantries to families who can’t get there themselves. We need a few extra drivers and backup drivers to ensure that we can continue to support families without interruption through the summer months. Please sign up here.
Kids Club Bags
Here’s a fun and meaningful activity that you can do with your kids. Every week, Centre Street Food Pantry provides families with children with extra bags of food, filled with snacks the kiddos love. Currently, the pantry is running low on these Kids Club bags and could really use your help. It’s easy—just grab a brown handled grocery bag and fill with the following items:
1 cereal box
2 packs applesauce cups
2 boxes of granola bars
2 boxes mac n’ cheese
1 large bag of pretzels/chips
Dropoff location:
11 Homer Street, Newton Centre (entrance on Furber Lane)
Dropoff dates:
June 14, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
June 28, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
For more information, go to https://www.centrestfoodpantry.org/food-drive-lists
Reminder: Are you a tenant or owner-occupant facing housing instability?
The COVID Eviction Legal Help Project (CELHP) provides free legal aid to low-income tenants and owner-occupants across Massachusetts in COVID-related eviction cases. Visit https://evictionlegalhelp.org for help, updates on the federal eviction moratorium, and a guide to other resources, including rental assistance and food benefits.
Thinking About Volunteering with Newton Neighbors?
We’d love to have you on board! We have a new volunteer agreement in place, and all our volunteers need to sign it (but only once—so no need to do it again if you already have). Please indicate your interest in volunteering by filling out our volunteer agreement at https://forms.gle/YyodmJvbWTAfU7eh8. It only takes a few minutes to fill out online.
If you have previously volunteered with us but haven’t yet signed the new agreement, please do so. Thank you! June Is Pride Month As President Biden recognized in his Pride Month proclamation: “This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice." The City of Newton is flying the rainbow flag. Happy Pride Month!
Covid Restrictions Lifted
Now that Massachusetts has lifted Covid restrictions, people who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks in most settings or practice social distancing. Capacity limits have ended for outdoor gatherings, restaurants, and other businesses, although businesses can choose to keep restrictions in place. Masks are still required on buses, trains, planes, and in health care settings. If you’re not fully vaccinated, continue to wear a mask and remain socially distanced in public. Our friends at the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce and All Over Newton have info on the evolving policies and what local businesses are doing (and how to support them) in their newsletters and social media - please check them out and follow them!
Please continue to be safe while you enjoy the beginning of summer!
Newton Neighbors accepts tax-deductible donations through our fiscal sponsor, Newton Community Pride. If you would like to make a donation, please do so here. Thank you for your support! Welcoming Newton and Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors are projects of Newton Neighbors, Inc.
