Driving to Bring Holiday Gifts to Those in Need

Churches, social service organizations, businesses and individuals are struggling to help an overwhelming number of families and individuals who need food, as well as help in providing any semblance of Christmas for their children this year. 

The Worcester Salvation Army Corps is a source of help for many Central Mass. and Northborough area residents. The Corps serves Northborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, West Boylston, Marlborough, Leicester and Grafton, as well as Worcester. The Salvation Army is both a protestant church and social service agency, giving the officers (clergy) a unique perspective. 

“This year, our holiday gift drive will provide a Christmas to about five thousand families in the Northborough/Central Mass region,” Major Tom Babbitt said. “Without the help of so many individuals, congregations, and businesses in the area, these families would have no holiday.” 

Beyond donations of clothing and toys, the Salvation Army provides Christmas baskets and gifts through donations to the Salvation Army Kettle Drive. 

“The money raise in our Kettle Drive all stays locally," Babbitt said, "and provides Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets as well as gifts of toys and food. Those donations also help fund our other year-round programs such as fuel assistance, prescription help, and clothing vouchers.” 

Babbit also mentioned that the Salvation Army runs a food pantry that helps 25,000 families, and also runs a drop in center for the homeless, "where anyone can come and find breakfast, lunch, take a shower, wash their clothes, and receive vocational and other counseling.

“Our Kettle Drive goal is $190,000, up from the $183,000 we raised last year, but we’re running behind so far, and need help,” he said. 

The primary Northborough Kettle location is the Wal-Mart on Route 9. 

“Wal-Mart is a fabulous supporter, and we’re so blessed to have their help,” Babbitt said.  

The United Way of Tri-County is also leading a major effort called Hope For The Holidays, to help families and individuals this Christmas, along with the programs the United Way conducts or funds throughout the year. The United Way of Tri-County, headquartered in Framingham, serves communities throughout the Metrowest/495 Corridor. 

“We’re sponsoring 689 children and disabled adults this year, so that these families can have a Christmas,” Jen Maseda, vice president of Community Resources at the United Way of Tri-County, said, “But we know of an additional 389 children we’d like to serve, but haven’t been sponsored yet.” 

The United Way offers four ways anyone can assist. 

You can Adopt-a-family and provide age appropriate gifts. With the help of the United Way community partner agencies, the United Way has identified specific requests of families who cannot afford presents for their children this year. The United Way will provide you with the first name, age, gender, and wish list that will include three $25 or less items. Anyone is welcome to conduct a toy drive in your place of business. Please leave all toys unwrapped.

Financial contributions will enable to United Way to purchase gifts for families who are not “adopted” within the program. Credit card donations can be made on the United Way’s Web site: www.uwotc.org. 

Volunteers are always needed to sort gifts, matching gift requests with donations, help at the holiday luncheon that the United Way hosts for those in need, or have an interest in helping in some other way.  Call 508-370-4873 to discuss volunteering. 

The Toys for Tots drive is also in full swing, with many organizations and businesses collecting toys that the Marine Corps Reserves will distribute through social service agencies throughout the Metrowest. A number of Northborough businesses and congregations participate in the Toys for Tots drive. For instance, Boost Fitness in Northborough is conducting their own drive, and added a special membership promotion to generate additional participation.

The economy has clearly created hardship for many this year. If you’d like to help your neighbors, contact any of these organizations, who’ll be thrilled to receive your call.