“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy
Dear Social Justice Friends,
Nothing makes the passage of time so poignant as writing a monthly newsletter. It is hard for me to believe we are entering November and Thanksgiving will be upon us before we know it. We all are aware of the rising cost of food and the need at our local food pantries is greater than ever. During these times it is important for us to help when we can, but also keep our focus on other issues that need our advocacy and attention. The statistics regarding gun violence are staggering and our new immigrant family continues to benefit from our time and efforts.
During these challenging times, I am focusing on Thankfulness….
May you, your friends and family enjoy a season of gratitude and a wonderful Thanksgiving,
The TSARP team updated you last about the Ramish family who was just then moving into Hancock Village in South Brookline, along with our other Afghan friends. A lot has happened since then! Little Roy Ramish was born in June and is thriving! Little Hilla, now 4, is going to preschool, and Dad Ramish and Mom Khurshid both have part-time jobs. Khurshid’s English is better and better (thanks to tutoring from TSARP volunteers) and the whole family continues to acclimate to their new life here and get in the routine of life with 2 little ones. Some of you already had a chance to meet the family and others have not yet – now we have an opportunity where a number of people can get a chance to meet them and help out!
We’re working to help the family manage their household and budget, including the SNAP and WIC benefits they are receiving. An important part of this is establishing a regular shopping routine and learning how to feed the family healthily within their budget, something that’s especially important in this time of rising food prices. We’re looking for volunteers who can sign up to take Ramish or Khurshid shopping– to the nearby Stop and Shop, Target and/or Walmart (for the best diaper prices). Besides driving them and getting to know them, you would help teach them how to best use the WIC benefits (we can provide documentation to help.)
Please respond directly to econnolly@srsmedical.com if you would like to help out, and indicate what times are good for you (e.g. Saturday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, whatever). Based on volunteer availability and Ramish and Khurshid’s work schedules, we’ll set up a schedule for weekly shopping trips.
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION:
Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for American children. The most important thing you can do right now to fight gun violence is to VOTE. Find candidates who are committed to implement better gun laws at www.gunsensevoter.org and vote accordingly. Then call your friends in other states and encourage them to do the same.
NEWS FROM CENTRE STREET FOOD PANTRY: Pre-Thanksgiving call out for volunteers! Can you help out on Centre Street? We are open Saturday November 5th AND Saturday November 19th. Both Saturdays need volunteers in 2 hour shifts between 10AM and 3PM. We are also often in need of help during the 4-6pm shift on Tuesdays. Other shifts are needed as well. To register/sign-up, head to our website. Please share with your friends, family and neighbors! All are welcome.
Help with Kids Club A Kids Club bag is packed with "kid-friendly" breakfast and lunch foods. Every bag has breakfast cereal, shelf stable milk, peanut butter, jam, cereal or granola bars, fruit cups, dried fruit and extras such as juice, pasta, mac and cheese, soups and tuna. In December we add hot cocoa and cookies as a treat. To find out how to participate, check out the Kids Club page.
NEWS FROM NEWTON NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS:
Food Pantry Drivers needed for November. Our signup sheet for November is now available for folks who can help deliver food to our neighbors unable to get to the food pantries on their own. It takes, on average, about an hour to complete deliveries. We especially need drivers on the following dates: Wednesday, 11/9 (Pickup times between 12:15 - 2:45) Friday, 11/18 (Pickup between 9:00 - 9:15) Wednesday, 11/23 (Pickup times between 12:15 - 2:45) Please sign-up using this link.
Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive Did you know that 1 in 10 neighbors struggles to feed their family? It's a heartbreaking fact and our goal is to help put food on neighbor's tables this Thanksgiving. Last year, thanks to your generosity, Newton Neighbors served 150 families throughout Newton, Brockton and Waltham with $50 supermarket Gift Cards! We are launching this much-valued program again and we hope you will help. Due to the rising food prices we are all seeing at markets this year, our goal is to distribute gift cards of $75 value to each family. Whatever we raise, Newton Neighbors will distribute the gift cards through partner agencies to families in Newton, Waltham, and Brockton to families in need this holiday. If you are able to make a donation to help us reach our goal, we know that these families would be so grateful. Here is the link to donate. .
