Local Program Depends on Holiday Giving

MILFORD, NH — Thanksgiving baskets, holiday gifts for children and families, and winter coats are part of the support that Share Outreach, a non-profit in Milford, provides to those in need during the holidays. Increased donations during the holidays also help build a reserve, according to Christine Janson, the executive director.

“Holidays are a time people think of others, which is wonderful,” she said.

“The more we can bring in this time of year, the better,” Janson said, noting that there is a drop in donations after the holidays, as winter weather arrives and the spirit of holiday giving subsides.

Share Outreach supports low income households in Milford, Amherst, Brookline, and Mount Vernon. The organization provides food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, and help accessing other services like medical care, mental health care and employment.

Through a partnership with The Holiday Toy Store, their “adopt a family” needs have been met this year, but other needs always remain, Janson said.

“We’re always in need- like in your own house- it comes in and goes out, quickly,” she said.

Another focus during the holidays is the elderly population, which is growing in New Hampshire, according to Janson. The “Adopt a Single Adult" program is largely made up of this population.

“We give them gift cards. That is supplemental income to them,” she said. They typically receive one to a grocery store and one to a drug store.

If other cards are available, Janson said it offers an added benefit.

“Low income elderly live simply,” she said. “It’s nice for them to be able to do something for themselves.”

Share is also asking for family gifts like board games, movie tickets or a gift to the bowling alley.

“It’s nice to have an activity for them do together,” she said.

With three full-time staff, including Janson, the organization depends on volunteers. There are 150 regular volunteers who stock the food pantry, help clients shop and help run the clothing barn that is housed at St. Patrick Church.

The food pantry supports about 700 families throughout the year, she said.

“It’s a wonderful time to do something nice for someone- our families struggle all year long,” she said. “Christmas presents, a nice Thanksgiving dinner- it’s a way to give back and make some people very, very happy.”

More Information at: sharenh.org/volunte...

Credit: SHARE Outreach. Caption: Volunteers filling Thanksgiving food boxes and Santa sacks for families.