Today is Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, and there are numerous opportunities to participate in a Day of Service. Log on to our Facebook group throughout the day for reminders of these events and information about other ways to connect, engage, give, & learn throughout the day today.
Connect
This morning - January 18, 9:30 a.m.: Newton’s 53rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
The theme for 2021, in the words of the Reverend King, is “Keep Moving Forward.” This event will be virtual, but we know we will feel the closeness of our community. Highlights will include musical selections, a reflection and sermon led by Reverend Devlin Scott and Rabbi Allison Berry, a Social Justice Roundtable featuring some of Newton’s key players, an NPS Student Voices Montage, and a “Spotlight” featuring Myrtle Baptist Church. More info here.
Tonight - January 18, 7:30 p.m.: Newton Family Singers Virtual Concert Join the Newton Family Singers January 18th at 7:30pm for a launch of their choral video of Dolly Parton’s Light of a Clear Blue Morning. The message of this song will inspire you to greet the new year with optimism. To honor Dr. King’s great legacy, a link will be provided during the livestream for anyone who wishes to donate to the Newton Food Pantry. Sign up for this free event here.
Engage
Through January 24: West Suburban YMCA Senior Outreach The West Suburban YMCA is putting together care packages of succulents, a handmade item card or bookmark, and a puzzle book for the Senior clients of Newton At Home. These packages will brighten their homes, provide opportunities for mental stimulation, and connect us to our neighbors in safe and comforting ways:
Create a card or bookmark using a template.
Ongoing: JF&CS Thinking of You Caring Cards for Holocaust Survivors
Want to give back, from your home, on MLK Day to Holocaust Survivors in the area? You and your family can make Thinking of You Caring Cards for isolated older adults of Jewish Family & Children's Service, most of whom are Holocaust Survivors. They have been sending cards to survivors on a monthly basis and would LOVE your help!! Please click here to learn more about Caring Cards or reach out to Ava Harder at aharder@jfcsboston.org. Newton and Waltham drop-offs are available.
Give
January 16 – 18: Newton Democratic City Committee Food Drive
In honor of both Reverend King and the Presidential Inauguration, the Newton Dems are holding a food drive to benefit local food pantries. See the list of requested items. Please do not donate products not on the list as the food pantries are not currently equipped to handle them.
Food: Hearty soup, Tuna (5 oz. cans only, preferably white,) Pasta, Rice, Granola bars, Tea
Toiletries: Toothpaste (no travel/sample sizes) Soap, Hand sanitizer: 8 oz. maximum
No Expired Items, please. No Glass Containers.
Contactless porch drop-off in West Newton and Newton Highlands until the 18th:
365 Cherry Street, West Newton or 33 Andrew Street, Newton Highlands
January 16 – 18: Feminine Products Drive for Dignity Matters
In recognition of the Presidential Inauguration, Laura De Veau is hosting a service project to benefit Dignity Matters, a MA-based non-profit that supplies feminine hygiene products, bras, and underwear to women and girls who are homeless or disadvantaged. Donations accepted the 16th, 17th, and 18th. Please sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/nationaldayofservice/event/370918/.
Ongoing: Home Goods Donations at Welcome Home
In honor of MLK Day of Service, please donate like-new home goods to Welcome Home, a home goods pantry in Newton Centre. Welcome Home accepts gently used kitchen, bedding, and bathroom items and provides them to those who can use them. No goods to donate? Consider joining the team and signing up for a working shift. Come once a month, weekly, or many times a week, to pack home goods for our clients who pick them up curbside. To volunteer, mailto:welcomehomemass@gmail.com.
Ongoing: Food Pantry Driver Signup
Sign up on this spreadsheet to deliver food from local pantries to homebound neighbors.
Learn
Today is NNHN’s Virtual Day of Service. Community organizations throughout Newton will share how you can support their work with your time or resources by posting in our Facebook group. Join our Facebook group and log on throughout the day to learn about organizations that can use your support.
As always, thank you for all you do. Stay safe!