I Love Newton

Category: Do Good

Charities and volunteer opporunities in Newton, MA and Boston.

  • Join Birthday Wishes Luminary Night!

    Join Birthday Wishes Luminary Night!

    Help Homeless Kids Celebrate Their Birthdays
    Birthday Wishes, homeless children birthday parties

    When: Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 5:00 PM EST
    We hope you’ll join us for our 3rd Annual Luminary Night. It’s easy and fun to participate!
    Haven’t purchased your Luminary Kits yet? Don’t wait any longer.
    Click her to buy your Luminary Kits today.
    Order your kits, and then place your luminaries outside at 5:00 PM on December 2. Enjoy the magic.
    Already purchased your kits? That’s great. Delivery takes place the week of November 26. Thank you for your support
  • Great Volunteer Opportunity to Help Animals!

    Great Volunteer Opportunity to Help Animals!

    ASPCARunFurFun fundraiserASPCA RunFurFun Volunteers Needed

    The race is sold out but volunteers are needed!

    Our dog walker, Wicked Happy Dogs, is one of the sponsors (which is the only reason why I know about it). Have you or your child ever volunteered for a race day? It’s fun and easy. This race is particularly fun because dogs get to run too!

    Volunteers: If you are interested in volunteering, fill out this short form if you would like to volunteer on race day or join one of our planning committees.

     

    A 5K (3.1 mile) race on Saturday, November 10, 2012

    10:00 am start

    Artesani Park, Brighton, MA (along the Charles River)

    Summary: This race will benefit the MSPCA and our programs to protect animals, relieve their suffering, advance their health and welfare, prevent cruelty and work for a just and compassionate society.  It will also provide a fun race for you (and your dog!).

    Course Description: The course is a fast, flat course starting at Artesani Park and running along the Charles River with no road crossings. See a course map here.

    Dogs: This is a race you can do with your dog!  Please see the rules for running with your dog. Also, please make sure your dog is trained adequately. There are some tips on how to do that here from Runners World. Only one dog per runner. See a list of the dogs participating.

    Parking: There is a large free parking lot at Artesani Park/Public Theatre. For directions, click here.

  • Free Event for Newton Schools: Newton Inspires

    Free Event for Newton Schools: Newton Inspires

    Newton Schools Foundation, Newton InspiresNewton Schools Foundation Presents

    Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community

    What do NPR host Tom Ashbrook, Boston Globe Film Critic Ty Burr, novelist and author Anita Diamant, and Defending Jacob author William Landay have in common? All four writers and journalists are Newton residents, and all will headline the second annual Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community, sponsored by the Newton Schools Foundation (NSF).

    The free community event will take place :

    November 14, 7-9:30 p.m.

    at Newton South High School

    140 Brandeis Road in Newton Centre

    Leaders representing an array of fields and interest areas will address topics ranging from business, education, science and medicine, journalism and the environment, to sports, literature, arts and entertainment. Participants choose three 30-minute speaker sessions from among 18 speakers. At the end of the evening, participants and speakers gather to reconnect over coffee and dessert.

    The event is free and open to the public and speaker sessions fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended. To view the full list of speakers, to register or for additional information go to www.NewtonSchoolsFoundation.org., or call 617-559-6120.

  • Help Homeless Children Celebrate Their Birthday

    Help Homeless Children Celebrate Their Birthday

    Birthday Wishes, help homeless kids celebrate birthdays, charity for kids, charity for children

    BirthdayWishes.org Needs Your Help

    Dear Friends,
    In the 10 years we have been providing birthday parties to homeless children, we have never seen demand for our services at such a high level. In addition to the shelters, which are at capacity, there are almost 2,000 families living in motels. At least every week, one of our offices receives a request for our services from a new program or agency – and another 20-30 homeless children.
    To accomodate this growing number of homeless children we need your generous help to replenish our shelves with toys!
    Here is how you can help:
    • Shop for toys with your kids or friends
    • Organize a toy drive at your local school, church, temple, or club
    • Use your Facebook page or other social media to spread the word to family and friends
    • Organize a drive at your company
    Here is what we need most:
    • Dora dolls and toys
    • Spiderman, Ironman and other popular superhero toys
    • LEGOs and MEGA Blocks
    • Littlest Pet Shop toys
    • Nail polish kits for teen girls
    • Toddler toys (stacking toys, blocks, board books, musical toys)
    • $35 gift cards for our teen birthday kids (Target, Walmart)
    Toys must be new and in orignal packaging. Donations may be dropped off at our Newton Centre office at 11 Homer Street on the 2nd floor of the Trinity Episcopal Church. Our office hours are Monday and Friday 9-3, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9-5.
    Thank you for keeping the candles lit! I hope to see you soon.
    Lisa Vasiloff
    Cofounder and Executive Director
  • Boston Public Library: Event for Kids to Meet Children’s Authors

    Boston Public Library: Event for Kids to Meet Children’s Authors

    Boston Public LIbrary fundraiser for Literary Lights for Children

    Boston Public Library Children’s Book Author Fundraiser

    Update: This event is fully subscribed. If you are still interested, there is a wait list. Otherwise, there is always next year!

    ————

    There is a great event at the Boston Public Library that raises money for Literary Lights for Children and you and your children can meet children’s and young adult authors. It’s Sunday, September 30 at 2pm. Please go here to purchase tickets.

    Sunday, September 30, 2012, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

    Bates Reading Room, Central Library, Copley Square

    The Associates of the Boston Public Library is pleased to invite you to the fourteenth annual Literary Lights for Children tea party on Sunday, September 30th in the beautiful Bates Reading Room of the Boston Public Library.

    The 2012 honorees are:

     
    “Literary Lights for Children” seeks to raise awareness of children’s literature, promote literacy, honor children’s authors, and raise money for the Boston Public Library’s children’s services and collections. Students selected from Boston area schools introduce and present the awards to each of the honored authors. The honorees then discuss their writing careers and share their love of books with the audience of over 400 children and adults. Tea refreshments are served.

    Tickets are $40 children, $60 adults

    There will be authors: Kevin Hawkes, Christopher Paolini, Mitali Perkins (Rickshaw Girl!), and Gary Schmidt.

  • Giroux Brothers Martial Arts Open House FREE Event!

    Giroux Brothers Martial Arts Open House FREE Event!

    Karate Newton, Karate classes for Kids Newton, Giroux Brothers Martial Arts, Open House NewtonKarate for Kids Open House with Demo, Games and Prizes!

    SUNDAY, Sept 30th, from  Noon to 5

    • We are starting off with a kickathon for the Make A Wish Foundation.  Our goal is to provide one child a wish which costs $6,500.00. Watch our students kick to do good!
    • In addition to the kick-a-thon we will be having raffles.
    • After Kick-A-Thon, we will have a performance from our Elite Demo Team who just won the championship at Chun Kuk Do’s International Training Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada this July.
    • After the demo we will be presenting certificates to students who achieved black belt or higher level of black belt last year.
    • We will also have a slide show with pictures of these students when they started and throughout their training at Giroux Bros.  We have over 20 students receiving certificates.
    • After the Black Belt Extravaganza, we will open the school and the perimeter up for games, prizes, face painting, etc.

    All are welcome.

    This is last year’s Elite Demo Team.

  • Clothing Donations That Directly Go Towards Helping People

    Clothing Donations That Directly Go Towards Helping People

    recycle, recycle clothes, used clothes Newton donating, donations for used clothesRecycling Clothes In Newton

    Dear Mia,

    I came across your church online when I was searching for places in Newton that accept clothing donations. Does the church provide the clothing to anyone that needs it?  Or are proceeds from selling the clothing used to help support programs?  I am in the process of cleaning my apartment and would love to be able to donate some clothes.  Please let me know if you are accepting clothing and where I should donate.

    Many thanks,
    Kari

    ————–

    Hi Kari,

    I blog on Newton at ILoveNewton.com but I am afraid I am not affiliated with a church at the moment.  I found a link to Newton which lists all the places that takes recycling. I hope this is useful to you.

    Newton Recylopedia

    Recycle, Reuse, and Donate List

    GOT STUFF? Post your items to sell, swap, or give away on 2good2waste.com/Newton

    Remember: ALWAYS call first before making a donation!

    Children’s Clothing, Toys

    CRADLES TO CRAYONS BOSTON

    (617)779.4700, 155 North Beacon St, Brighton, MA 02135
    Support kids in need with essential items for growth. Accepts new arts and craft supplies, school supplies and gently used kids clothing and toys.  Check their website for a full list of items they accept.  You can drop off any donations at their headquarters in Brighton.

    EPILEPSY FOUNDATION
    (888)322-8209 Provides drop-off locations and also does curbside pick ups.  Accepts clothing, media, housewares, bedding, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, musical instruments and more.  All donations benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of New England.  Please see website for accepted materials and how to donate.

    Clothing

    Accepted at the Recycling Depot during open hours and in clothing donation containers located in parking lots throughout the community.  All types of textiles, including shoes and belts and stuffed animals, can be recycled.  All clothing, fabric, and household textiles (tablecloths, sheets) collected must be clean and dry, but it is okay if they are ripped, stained or damaged.  No wet, mildewy textiles.  No items contaminated with oil, paint, or hazardous materials.

    BOOMERANGS/AIDS ACTION COMMITTEE
    (617) 323-0262, 1870 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA
    Accepts donations of furniture, clothing, housewares, books, CDs, giftware, and more. Proceeds are used by AIDS Action for AIDS education and prevention programs, as well as to directly assist people living with HIV/AIDS. They also have locations in Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, and Boston.

    EPILEPSY FOUNDATION
    (888)322-8209 Provides drop-off locations and also does curbside pick ups.  Accepts clothing, media, housewares, bedding, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, musical instruments and more.  All donations benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of New England.  Please see website for accepted materials and how to donate.

    Jeans

    COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN. (for schools)

    Recycle your jeans into insulation. Accepts donations from schools and retailers only.

  • Free Admission on Summer Friday Nights at The Discovery Museums

    Free Admission on Summer Friday Nights at The Discovery Museums

    Discovery Museums Acton

    The Discovery Museums Announce

    Free Admission on Summer Friday Nights

                                              “Free Friday Night Fun!” is part of the Museums’ Open Door Connections program to expand museum access.

    Free admission every Friday night from June 22nd – August 31st

     

    The Museums will collect donations for the Acton Food Pantry

    The Discovery Museums are pleased to announce their Free Friday Night Fun! program for summer 2012, offering free admission to both museums on Fridays during extended evening hours.

    Each Friday night between June 22 and August 31, both the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Science Discovery Museum will be open until 8:30pm, with free admission beginning at 4:30 pm.  Families are invited to picnic under the stars and enjoy the Museums at night.  Visitors may bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from the Chef on Wheels grill.

    Free Friday Night Fun! is an important component of the Museums’ Open Door Connections program, which provides opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, geographic, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museums.

    Free Friday Night Fun! is made possible by the generous support of MathWorks and Middlesex Savings Bank.  Additional support is provided by Emerson Hospital.

  • Custom Tutus: To Help Kids at Children’s Hospital with Heart Defects

    Custom Tutus: To Help Kids at Children’s Hospital with Heart Defects

    custom tutus,

    Tutu Pour Mon Deux is an inspirational apparel company dedicated to making a difference and giving back – in hopes of spreading awareness about congenital heart defects in newborns.

    One-third of our proceeds is donated to Children’s Hospital Boston, where our daughter underwent corrective heart surgery at just four days old. 1 in 100 newborns are born with a CHD, and our hope is to help change that statistic through Tutu Pour Mon Deux. Our mission is positive and our medium is our custom tutus.

    The best part…together, Mom & Daughter can virtually design, and customize a special outfit that will rock any girls wardrobe. Our web-site is fun, interactive and easy to navigate. With more than a dozen original patches and ribbons to choose from, the tutu t-shirt can be as unique as the little girl wearing it. The colors are as happy and vibrant, and come in sizes ranging from 18 months to 6T.

    A custom tutu is a great way to embrace your little girls individuality, imagination and spirit, while making a difference in the lives of other children so they, too, can dance around like a princess with their imagination.

     

     


  • Old Vases and Large Cans Needed for Newton North HS Prom. Please Donate here…

    Old Vases and Large Cans Needed for Newton North HS Prom. Please Donate here…

    28 oz and 35 oz empty cans needed!

    Hi Neighbors,

    I’m helping the Newton North senior class officers with the floral centerpieces for their senior prom, which is June 4.

    To save money, we are using  clean metal cans or old vases to hold the floral arrangements. The metal cans we are looking for are 28 oz to 35 oz. cans, the kind you often buy for crushed tomatoes.  They are 4 inches in diameter, or about 12.5 inches around, and about 4 to 5 inches high.  Wrapped in tissue
    paper, no one will be the wiser, and we can spend more money on flowers.  (See the photo below for one example)

    If you have old vases of similar size, we would love to have those too. We need at least 50, so if you have even one, that would certainly help!

    Old Florist Vases also welcome!

    Please check your recycling before you put it out tonight, especially if you just made a big pot of soup or pasta sauce!

    Feel free to drop any donations at my house, 38 Holman in Auburndale (off Day Street which is off Commonwealth Avenue and/or Washington Blvd). I’ll leave a paper bag or a box on my front stoop.

    Thanks and best regards,

    Marian