Category: Do Good

Charities and volunteer opporunities in Newton, MA and Boston.

  • Boston Globe GRANT Program: Help Young Audiences Arts for Learning

    Boston Globe GRANT Program: Help Young Audiences Arts for Learning

    The Boston Globe has announced a new initiative called GRANT (Globe Readers And Non-profits Together). Non-profit organizations across the state of Massachusetts have a unique opportunity to acquire highly coveted and expensive advertising space in the Boston Globe. Up to $20 million of advertising space will be gifted.

    GRANT Young Audiences Arts for Learning

    As an organization that serves the entire Commonwealth, YAMA continues to build audiences in diverse communities. Advertising is a vital part of telling our story – it raises awareness and helps spread the word about the breadth of the work that we do with young people.

    This is where YOU can make a difference!

    If you are a Boston Globe subscriber, you recently received a silver envelope with a gift card. If you are an online subscriber, you received an email from the Boston Globe.

    You can help us with one simple step:

    Return the silver envelope or reply to the email with the following info: Young Audiences of Massachusetts

    89 South St, Suite 603
    Boston, MA 02111

    The deadline is March 1, 2014. 

    All of us at Young Audiences of Massachusetts offer our sincerest gratitude for having you as part of our community and thank you for your ongoing support!
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly

    Volunteer Opportunities with Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly

    We have participated in several events to visit the elderly through Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly and it has been a wonderful experience. The events are really well run and extremely organized. You just need to drive to Northeastern University to pick up food which takes about fifteen minutes. You then get an assignment of where to go. You can chose by geographic area. We went to the South End for Thanksgiving which is our old neighborhood. We delivered a St. Patrick’s gift to a nursing home in Newton and we went to West Roxbury another year for Thanksgiving.
    The visits are short and last about an hour. My kids are typically very quiet but they notice things and listen to every word. Each visit has been  very different. Our first visit was an elderly mother with her son (also quite elderly) who were infirm. Our second visit was with a gentleman with Alzheimer’s who told us stories of his kids. Our last visit in the South End was with a gentleman who was legally blind but really engaging who told us about his travels working as a carpenter all over the United States and also on the Big Dig.
    My kids come away with a feeling of gratitude and knowing that there are others out there in the world who need their help; who are in worse shape than the people they typically encounter. And gratitude is the foundation for which happiness is laid.
    Two hours of your time from door to door to teach gratitude … it’s a gift that keeps on giving!
    Upcoming Driving  Opportunities 

     
    2/15/14- Valentines Day Lunch   
    Lend a hand and make someone feel loved this coming Valentines Day!  We are hosting our Valentines Day Lunch here at the Little Brothers house on Saturday, February the 15th, from  12pm-2pm.
     
    Please RSVP by 2/10/14 if you are interested in driving for this event!
     
    2/26/14- February Brunch Event 
    Hosted at the Little Brothers House, this event is from 10am-12pm
     
    3/15/14- St. Patrick’s Day Party 
    Celebrate Boston’s favorite holiday with our wonderful elder friends!  The party will be held at the Little Brothers house on March 15th, from 12pm-2pm
    If you are available to drive for any of these events, please call 617-524-8882 or email us at volunteer.bos@littlebrothers.org
    Make someone feel loved..
    Also …
     
    Valentines Day Home Visits 
     
    Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and we need your help spreading the love to our Old Friends.   
     
     Each year we provide our Old Friends with loving visits from our volunteers. We send volunteers with flowers and goodie bags filled with many treats (including fresh fruit, chocolates, and baked goods!)
     
    The home visitation opportunities span from Wednesday, February 12th to Saturday, February 15th. The Valentine’s goodie bags must be picked up at Little Brothers either during our standard business hours (9am-5pm) on Wed. the 12th through Friday the 14th, or between 10am-12pm on Saturday, the 15th. When you come to pick up your packages, you will receive visiting instructions and directions for each Old Friend you’re assigned. (When you RSVP, please let us know which dates and times you are available to do visits.) 

    We thank you in advance for making this another wonderful Valentine’s Day!  
     
     
    For more information on the event, call 617-524-8882.

     

  • Williams PTO Auction Is Officially Open!

    Williams PTO Auction Is Officially Open!

    The Williams PTO Auction Is Officially Open!

    The Williams PTO Auction Is Officially Open!

    So what are you waiting for?…Bid Now!

    Place Your Bid.
    Whether you’re looking for something unique for yourself, searching for a gift for a special someone, or looking to add a little adventure to your life, you’re sure to find something in our auction. Every bid helps support our cause.

    Tell Your Friends.
    The success of this online auction depends on spreading the word to as many people as possible. We need your help. Please Refer a Friend and encourage them to participate so they don’t miss a single moment of the fun and excitement.

    View All Auction Items

  • Birthday Wishes CakeWalk Fundrasier: Registration Open!

    Birthday Wishes CakeWalk Fundrasier: Registration Open!

    It’s already kick-off time for CakeWalk 2014 and registration is officially open!
    Bright and early on Sunday morning, May 18, 2014, Birthday Wishes will celebrate its third annual CakeWalk at Millennium Park in West Roxbury, MA.
    CakeWalk is our signature (and only) fundraising event, reflecting the grassroots nature of our organization and the importance of kids helping kids. CakeWalk truly reflects what makes Birthday Wishes so special – loyal supporters of all ages and from all walks of life – coming together to make sure that homeless children experience what many of us take for granted, a birthday celebration!
    Participants can sign up to walk either our 5K or half-mile route, and participate as individuals or form a team with family or friends. CakeWalk celebrates corporate teams, sports teams, book clubs, scout troops, neighborhoods, school, church and civic groups. Everyone is welcome to enjoy our fun, noncompetitive walk and family festival of kite flying, face painting, entertainment, field games, free refreshments, family raffle, music and more.
    Our event goal this year is $75,000.  This funding is critical to carrying out our mission.  In combination with the steady stream of birthday gifts and toys, goody bags, birthday cakes and juice boxes that are so generously donated throughout the year, a successful CakeWalk will help ensure that more than 23,000 homeless children will experience the joy of a birthday celebration in 2014 – an experience that lasts just a few short hours with the impact of a lifetime.
    Please visit our registration page and sign up now! Although we expect about 500 walkers the morning of May 18, please ask for me at Millennium Park so I may personally acknowledge your participation and say thank you. I look forward to walking by your side.
    Birthday Wishes CakeWalk Fundrasier: Registration Open!
  • The Second Step for Trivia Night Fundraiser

    The Second Step for Trivia Night Fundraiser

    Happy New Year!  Are you interested in combining your love for charitable giving with your love for dominating pub trivia?

    If so, please join The Second Step for Trivia Night on January 21st from 7-9 pm at Temple Emanuel in Newton.  It’s a great way to beat the winter blues, hang out with friends, and see how much arcane knowledge you have! Sign up here.

    We already have over 100 people signed up for this awesome event.  When you sign up, please indicate who you’d like to be placed on a team with (up to 6 people per team). Spouses welcome!


    The Second Step Newton MA

    Trivia Night

    Come join the fun while helping support The Second Step and survivors of domestic violence

    Grab your friends, co-workers, family and neighbors (max 6 people/team) and see how much you really know!

    When: Tuesday, January 21st, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

    Where: Temple Emanuel, 365 Ward Street, Newton

    Why:  It’s going to be fun!  We promise.

    How much:   $45/person

    Team Sponsorships: $500, $750, $1,000*

    Food?  Drinks?  Yes, of course!  There will be snacks and beer, wine and soft drinks.

    Don’t have a team?  Don’t worry – we’ll put our matchmaking skills to good use.

    How do you sign up?  Visit www.TheSecondStep.org – it’s that easy!

    The Second Step partners with survivors of domestic violence to foster safety, stability, and well-being.  Our comprehensive residential and community-based programs build on the individual strengths, needs and values of the families we serve.  In ongoing collaboration with the community, we lay the foundation for a future free from abuse and full of possibility

    *Sponsors will be listed by sponsorship level on our website and recognized at the event.

  • Holiday Pop Up Store Tomorrow at L’Aroma Cafe

    Holiday Pop Up Store Tomorrow at L’Aroma Cafe

    Need last minute holiday gifts? Come to a Holiday Pop Up Store at L’Aroma Cafe tomorrow, Thursday, December 19th from 10 am to 1pm.

    L’Aroma Cafe is located behind the West Newton Cinema at 15 Spencer Street in West Newton Village.

    You will find local artists and artisans with gorgeous wares including hair accessories, accent pillows, jewelry, photographs, hostess gifts, notecards and coasters.

    Get your morning coffee, a muffin or lunch and get a little holiday shopping done as well! A portion of sales will be donated to Families First.

    Holiday Pop Up store

  • Brunch and Music Fundraiser for Children at MassGeneral Hospital

    Brunch and Music Fundraiser for Children at MassGeneral Hospital

    Give back this holiday season to help the youngest patients stay on top of their educations while going through treatment.

    EdTrips, in cooperation with Angel Ed, Playrific, EdTechWomen, and a host of other educators, will be sponsoring a musical brunch to raise money for the Office of Child Life at Massachusetts General Hospital.

    Take a much-needed break from shopping and join us for brunch and music in the vintage charm of the Restoration Resources function room. Bid on silent auction items to finish your holiday shopping.

    Proceeds will go to support educational technology and museum trips for young patients at MGH, including trips to local museums and iPads apps to keep them engaged and learning.

    Tickets are $15, all proceeds go to Mass General Office of Child Life. RSVP here.
  • Volunteer Opportunity for Families

    Volunteer Opportunity for Families

    Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly 

    This year, we have no time to lose – our Christmas & Hanukkah Holiday Program is only a few weeks away! We have begun the volunteer and elder registration process, so please RSVP today!

    Please click on the link below to register.

    Get more information

    Register Now!


    Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly

  • Cook Chef Hosts Holiday Fundraiser for Boston Children’s Hospital

    Cook Chef Hosts Holiday Fundraiser for Boston Children’s Hospital

    When your child is sick, it’s hard to keep up a normal daily routine, and even harder doing so during the holiday season. This is something that Paul Turanoexecutive chef/owner of Tryst located in Arlington, MA and the newly opened Cook in Newton, MA, knows all too well, having spent time with his son at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Units over the past few years.

    Both Turano’s children have Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome (SCIDS), and when his son was just two months old he had a bone marrow transplant at Boston Children’s Hospital that saved his life. This holiday season, Turano is giving back to the hospital that was there for his family by holding a holiday fundraiser for the Patient and Family Resource Room, a program that helps provide services to over 45 families whose children are being treated at the Boston Children’s Hospital Oncology and Hematology Center.

    In cooperation with Boston Children’s Hospital, Turano has set up a branded donation page online and will be encouraging holiday donations for the family resource program from December 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013.

    To donate, guests can visit the donation page online, or can donate at either Cook or Tryst where a QR code will be set up which, when scanned, will take guests directly to the page where they can make a donation on their mobile devices. In exchange for donating, Turano will give donors a gift certificate to Tryst (for up to $20) with proof of donation.

    “I can’t emphasize how much the Patient and Family Resource Room helped my family and I when we were going through this difficult time. It’s because of their team and services that we were able to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine, and I want to be able to give that back to other families that are going through it,” said Chef Turano, Executive Chef/Owner of Tryst and Cook.

    Funded through donations from area businesses and families, the 6th floor Patient and Family Resource Room is staffed by a patient and family educator who can help patients and families learn about their medical treatment.

    The Patient and Family Resource Room also offers a space for patients and families to relax and connect with others going through a similar experience. 

    Whether the donated money be used for a morning coffee at the local Dunkin Donuts, or towards purchasing a generic American Express donation that can be used towards gas, or parking (daily routines that are often overlooked), each donation will help parents regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. 

    With the extra help of these funds, Chef Turano will be putting the holidays back in the hands of these families.

    WHERE:

    Tryst | 689 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476|  781-641-2227 | trystrestaurant.com

    Cook| 825 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02460 | 617-964-2665 |cooknewton.com

    WHEN:                          December 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013.

    HOW:                            Donate here  or visit one of the restaurants and scan the QR code (displayed throughout the restaurant). After donation, present your receipt at Tryst to receive your gift certificate (of equal value, up to a $20 value).

    ADDITIONAL:    Limited to one Tryst gift certificate per person per visit. Gift certificates cannot be combined with any other offer. To receive gift certificate diners must visit Tryst. Cannot be done online.

    Cook Chef Hosts Holiday Fundraiser for Boston Children's Hospital

     

  • Want to Give Back? Volunteer for OurNewton.org

    Want to Give Back? Volunteer for OurNewton.org

    OurNewton.org is looking volunteers!

    You can work from home or participate in community engagement. Free training included for all volunteers.

    Calling all editors, photographers, technical volunteers and marketing magnets. Please contact announcement@ournewton.org or call 617-797-9497.

    Run by volunteers, OurNewton.org is “one-stop shopping” for Newton community news.OurNewton.org lists not-for-profit events around Newton: concerts, plays, festivals, sports clinics, lectures, workshops, classes, volunteer opportunities, walks, bike rides, and more. 

    OurNewton.org