Ways to Support the Greater Lynn Community During Challenging Times
When disaster strikes, we’re often amazed by the number of neighbors who rush to the front lines and the many community members whose first question is: how can I help? While those in our medical communities are in the best position to serve as our front line defenders, here are other ways you can help the Greater Lynn community during this trying time. (And please remember: wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and commit yourself and your families to social distancing (staying at least six feet apart from others) in order to keep our healthcare workers and communities safe.)
Lynn Community Health Center: The Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) is a leader in developing new initiatives that result in high-impact, low-cost health care. More than 41,000 children, adults, and elders rely on LCHC for comprehensive health care, regardless of ability to pay. The nonprofit’s vision is that poor health is never again a barrier to raising a healthy family, pursuing gainful employment, or learning in school. Donations contribute directly to the health and well-being of everyone in the Greater Lynn community. Here’s where you can donate: https://www.lchcnet.org/donate
My Brother’s Table: My Brother’s Table (MBT), located in Lynn, is the largest soup kitchen on the North Shore. With no government funding, the organization has been nourishing neighbors for 365 days a year since 1982. Last year alone MBT served over 186,000 meals. Here’s where you can donate: http://www.mybrotherstable.org/funding_donation.shtml
Greater Lynn Senior Services: Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) is the nonprofit Aging Services Agency serving people age 60 and older and adults living with disabilities in Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, Swampscott and all of Boston’s North Shore. GLSS delivers close to 300,000 “Meals on Wheels” to homes every year and serves another 120,000 at lunch sites located at local senior centers, day programs, and housing sites. GLSS operates in the homes of over 4,000 seniors and adults living with disabilities in the Greater Lynn area each day and provides over 700,000 door-to-door rides per year for people living with disabilities throughout 27 cities and towns. Donate to GLSS here: https://www.glss.net/Join-Us/Donate-Now
The REAL Program: Since 2013, The REAL Program has collected and distributed over 125,000 children’s books in Lynn while building and placing over 40 bookshelves or little free libraries throughout the community. REAL reinforces the literacy skills of beginning readers by providing books, homework assistance, healthy food, and fun for children and their families. Staffed with committed volunteers including high school and college students as well as retired teachers, REAL also offers ESL classes to parents for whom English is a second language. You can donate to The REAL Program here: https://www.therealprogram.org/
Girls Inc. of Lynn: Girls Inc. of Lynn is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. Since 1942, Girls Inc. of Lynn has responded to the changing needs of girls and their families by providing essential resources and programs to disadvantaged, low-income girls. Each year Girls Inc. of Lynn serves over a thousand girls throughout Greater Lynn communities. Here’s where you can give to Girls Inc.: https://girlsinclynn.org/get-involved/donate/
Boys & Girls Club of Lynn: The Boys and Girls Club of Lynn was established in 1889, making it one of the first 20 clubs created in the United States. The Club is committed to inspiring and enabling all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. During the school year the Club serves more than 1,500 members ages 5 to 18 and welcomes more than 250 children through their doors daily for various after-school programs. The Club’s summer camp program serves over 125 children each week. You can donate directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn here: https://bgcl.org/support-the-boys-girls-club-of-lynn/
Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen: Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen has been serving pizza in Lynn for years. Now they’re dishing out free pizzas to families struggling to feed their children as schools shutter in response to the coronavirus. “Lynn has been very good to us for the last six years and I think It’s time to give back to the community,” owner Thaer Demaidi said. If you’re facing concerns about feeding your kids, or if you’d like to support Alfredo’s efforts, call the restaurant at 781-584-4954 or visit their website here: http://alfredositaliankitchen.com/ak/lynn/menu.aspx
Tides Restaurant & Pub in Nahant: This longstanding Nahant establishment has generously donated food and beverages to many Promise the Children events. Now is the time to return the favor! If you’re interested in supporting the Tides Restaurant, consider purchasing a Gift Card and enjoying a night out in the future: http://tidesnahant.com/gift_certificates.html
Project Bread: Over 318,600 children in our state rely on school meals. Less than 24 hours after school closures were announced, Project Bread — along with state and school leaders — had more than 300 sites set up where kids can continue getting free meals. Project Bread is committed to preventing and ending hunger in Massachusetts. The nonprofit provides access to food for people who are hungry today, while working to break the cycle of hunger through advocacy, education, and community action. Here’s where you can support their COVID-19 response.
Meals on Wheels America: Vulnerable seniors are at the greatest risk amid COVID-19, and local Meals on Wheels programs are on the front lines every day. This nationwide nonprofit remains focused on doing all they can to keep older Americans safe and nourished in communities across the country. Give to the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund to help local communities across the country meet the increased demand for nutritious meals that can keep our seniors safe and healthy. Donate here: https://ams.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=covid19donate
Follow the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: With the goal of supporting millions of working families throughout the United States, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act is set to provide immediate paid sick leave and paid family leave, expanded unemployment insurance, vital nutrition aid, more Medicaid funds for states, and free COVID-19 testing for our communities. Recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, we now need the Senate to act. Here’s where you can contact your Senators: https://indivisible.org/demand-your-senators-address-coronavirus-outbreak
