Impact in Action

Summer 2026 Update

Summer Should Not Mean Struggle

We are less than two months into summer, and many of the families we support are facing underreported food access and housing hardships. When classrooms closed in June, so did the cafeterias, and fewer than 1 in 10 eligible children find their way to a summer meal program. Additionally SNAP enrollment in Massachusetts has fallen by more than 145,000 residents since federal cuts took effect last summer. And nearly three of every four people experiencing homelessness are in families with children — the highest proportion of any state in the nation.

No child should have an empty belly and uncertain living situation. Your help is more important than ever for the 2,000 Guests who count on Lazarus House programs each week to access food, shelter, clothing, and vital support resources.

We are grateful and invite you to read on and see just a few of the stories behind our shared work– like the volunteer-led “Christmas in July” celebration (pictured above) for all of Lazarus House families.

MISSION MOMENTS

Guests at the Table: Shaping Our Food Pantry

A dedicated group of Lazarus House Guests has joined our six-month advisory panel, and their insights are already shaping how we serve. Their feedback guides programs like SWAP (Supporting Wellness at Pantries), a multilingual system that uses color-coded stickers to help families find healthy choices. This work goes hand in hand with our City of Lawrence REACH partnership initiative to prevent chronic disease and expand access to nutritious food. 

One Spider-Man Toy. One Huge Smile. One Lasting Memory.

Recently at the Lazarus House Thrift Store, we saw the excitement of a young child who discovered a toy featuring his favorite movie character, Spider-Man. His face immediately lit up. Moments like these remind us that a simple find can spark lasting memories.

The Thrift Store is in need of these items for autumn: new and gently used adult and kids coats, hats, scarves, boots, and socks.

Click here for donation drop off information.

The Joy of Firsts

Our Shelter Guests Deirdre* and her three children have been staying with us for nine months. We are excited to share that she has officially received the keys to her own apartment.

While Guests are at the Shelter, the generosity of people like you covers food, clothing, and other essentials, so the women can save money from their jobs as a safety net for when they move on to stable housing.

Deirdre's young son saw what his mom was proudly doing and excitedly asked to join in the saving.

PARTNERS IN GIVING

Ray Ciccolo, (pictured center) founder of the Village Automotive Group, recently hosted a grant recipient event at Boston Volvo Village, awarding Lazarus House alongside other Massachusetts nonprofits. The Ciccolo Family Foundation has steadfastly and generously supported Lazarus House for 13 years. Beyond the honor of meeting with Ray and the Ciccolo family, we truly valued the chance to connect with fellow nonprofits and explore new ways to collaborate and better serve our communities. A special thank you to Sophia Petromelis for her dedication and coordination.

BECAUSE OF YOU....

GET INVOLVED

Volunteer! Come serve alongside our team in Lawrence. Whether you or your group is stocking Food Pantry shelves or Thrift Store displays, serving a meal in the Soup Kitchen, or preparing dinner for families in our Shelter, your time makes an immediate difference for our Guests. 

Greatest Program Needs We will now be sharing some of the most-needed goods for our programs regularly on social media and in impact updates like this.  

To help, simply browse our Amazon Wish List below, add to your cart, and your gift will ship tax-free directly to Lazarus House.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Lazarus House recently welcomed two new members to our Development team: Jean DeMayo as Manager of Marketing and Communications, and Mike Stringer as Major Gifts Officer. Together, these roles strengthen how we connect with our community. Jean's work raises awareness and shares the stories that draw people into our mission, while Mike builds meaningful relationships with new and dedicated supporters who feel called to give—work that, in tandem, helps expand impact for our Guests.

EVENTS

Drive for Dignity Raises $213,000+

Rain could not dampen the generosity at this year's golf tournament. Together, we raised more than $213,000 for Guests facing the challenges of homelessness and food insecurity. THANK YOU!

To the winning golfers in our morning and afternoon flights: well done! See the results here.

And finally, a BIG congratulations to Paul Mello, who won the 2027 Masters Raffle and is heading to Augusta next spring.  

Join Us for the 2026 Walk for Hope Fall Festival

Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.

This community walk supports our programs for just $30 per participant — and you can do even more by building a team and raising funds together, or sponsoring! The top fundraisers and team captains registering the most walkers will win a share of $900 in New Balance gift cards!

Save the Date for Sharing Our Bounty

Join us on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Andover Country Club for our annual gala — an elegant evening of dinner, auctions, and moving testimonials in support of our Guests.

Reserve a table today with your guests, become an event sponsor, or donate items for our fabulous auction, and help make a lasting difference for the families we serve.

We thank you for your continued commitment, partnership, and support of the individuals and families in the Merrimack Valley who turn to Lazarus House for help.

Note: *Guest names and images may be changed to protect their privacy.