Christmas in the City - December 22, 2019 (Boston)

MDS members volunteered at Christmas in the City as Shelter Volunteers, working under a Shelter Captain to make the day as special as possible for the children and families to remember for a long time to come. 

Christmas in the City brings holiday magic to thousands of Boston-area kids and their families—children and families who’ve been experiencing the uncertainty of homelessness and the stress of poverty. It's an annual party that, for those living in homeless shelters, is a spectacular, all-out holiday event.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts - December 7, 2019 (Hatfield)

MDS members volunteered at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The Food Bank distributes food to its member agencies in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. These independent pantries, meal sites, and shelters are on the front lines of emergency food assistance in the region, playing a crucial role helping individuals, families, seniors, and children.

The MDS volunteers helped weigh, sort, and package fresh produce for the hungry. While there, the group also learned about the serious issue of food insecurity that plagues local communities. In total, MDS volunteers helped prepare more than 2,800 pounds of produce for distribution to food pantries throughout the region.

Habitat for Humanity - November 23, 2019 (Andover)

MDS members participated in construction tasks at the build site in Andover to help build affordable housing for a local family in need. 

Habitat for Humanity is the largest non-profit home builder in the world. Habitat for Humanity builds simple, affordable homes in partnership with people who need them. It shares a global vision where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Rosie's Place - October 26, November 10, and December 8 2019 (Boston)

MDS members volunteered at Rosie’s Place. Rosie’s Place is a sanctuary for poor and homeless women located in Boston’s South End. Its mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.

MDS volunteers cooked and served lunch for women and children in the Rosie’s Place dining room and helped clean up after the meal. 

Cradles to Crayons - October 6, 2019 (Brighton)

MDS members volunteered in the Giving Factory warehouse, helping to quality-check, sort, and package donations at specific stations to ultimately be distributed to the children served. 

Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts - December 1, 2018 (Hatfield)

MDS members volunteered at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The Food Bank distributes food to its member agencies in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. These independent pantries, meal sites, and shelters are on the front lines of emergency food assistance in the region, playing a crucial role helping individuals, families, seniors, and children.

The MDS volunteers helped weigh, sort, and package fresh produce for the hungry. While there, the group also learned about the serious issue of food insecurity that plagues local communities. In total, MDS volunteers helped prepare more than 2,800 pounds of produce for distribution to food pantries throughout the region.

Toys for Tots - December 8, 2018 (Worcester)

MDS members volunteered with the Toys for Tots Campaign by sorting toys at a warehouse in Worcester. The mission of the Worcester Toys for Tots 2018 Campaign is to collect and distribute new toys as Christmas gifts to those children less fortunate in Worcester County. For the last 70 years, the United States Marine Corps has distributed more than 542 million toys to at least 250 million children. This success stems from great partners, sponsors, and volunteers that help raise funds and toy donations.

Rosie's Place - December 8 and 15, 2018 (Boston)

MDS members volunteered at Rosie’s Place. Rosie’s Place is a sanctuary for poor and homeless women located in Boston’s South End. Its mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.

MDS members cooked and served lunch for women and children in the Rosie’s Place dining room and helped clean up after the meal.