January News from the Needham Community Council

JANUARY 2024

NEEDHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

In 2023 we opened our doors to more Needham residents than ever before.

Together we experienced a year of hope & strength. With gratitude we celebrate YOU - we could not do what we do without your support.

Thank you, Needham!

Watch the 2023 Video Here

As we come to the start of another new year, we are resolved to continue to help Needham neighbors navigate difficult economic times.

The need for food support continues to grow. Over 340 households in Needham depend on us for food. We have also expanded to a Saturday distribution day to meet the needs of families with working adults.

Please consider making a gift to the food pantry and help reach all those in need.

Make a Gift Today

Hearts are Full - Thank you!

With your help, and countless volunteer hours, the Holiday Hearts campaign was a tremendous success once again. We were able to give gift certificates to Target and Learning Express to income-eligible households so they could buy gifts for their loved ones.

All told you helped us reach 648 Needham residents including 196 children under 18 years old.

Council Hours

January Hours at the Council

Please see below for important Council closings in the month of January. Please call the office with any questions at

(781) 444-2415.

As we head into winter months, the Council offices and all programs will close during snow events. We follow the Needham Public Schools for all weather closings.

Council Offices & Food Pantry will be Closed on Monday, January 15, 2024

The Council Thrift will be Closed

Saturday, January 13 thru Monday, January 15, 2024

Meet our staff

Staff Updates

After over 4 years of robust laughs and creative kicks, Judy Lambert will be leaving Needham and her role as Director of Programs and Volunteers.

Maria Albanese will be promoted to Thrift Store Manager and Stacey Fallon will move into the role of Director of Volunteers beginning January 15.

Please join us in extending these staff members warm congratulations on their next chapter.

December:

By the Numbers

December was a month to gather and to give thanks, to look back, and to look forward. We were on the go at the Council with so many moments to celebrate.

We think of our ELL students and the verb "to give" as we gave holiday gifts to 648 Needham residents, gave 73 pieces of medical equipment to people in need, and gave 160 Christmas Day dinners with partner Temple Beth Shalom to those who may not have otherwise had a meal.

Preparing for the year ahead with you by our side makes all this work a joy. Thank you for another year together!

Program Updates

Navigating Mental Health Resources for our Kids

Reminder: the next presentation in the Mindful Community series will be January 10th. Registration information may be found by using the link to the left.

In this conversation we will share warning signs that may indicate that it’s time to seek help and where and how to get started in seeking mental health resources for your children.

Presenter: Kimberly Martin

Assistant Vice President, Children and Family Services

Riverside Community Care

Date: January 10, 2024

Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Where: Broadmeadow Elementary School Performance Center

The Council Thrift

Special Sales this Month

Did you know that Jan 21-Jan 27 is National Hunt For Happiness week! We will be celebrating all month long at The Council Thrift because we feel it's such a great message! Stop in with a smile and get special treats!

Enter to Win

Hunting for treasures at The Council Thrift brings happiness to us all. Share one of your favorite treasures with us that you found shopping at The Council Thrift and you will be entered to win a $20 gift certificate towards your next hunt.

Enter below by clicking on the link. A random winner will be chosen daily from Jan 22nd-27th

Enter HERE

Hunt for Happiness & Savings

Saving money always makes us smile. You can save and smile too... From Jan 22-Jan 27, when you are done shopping pick a surprise discount from our basket of smiles and you will receive 10-50% off your entire purchase!

If you're happy and you know it.....

Community Happenings

Make a gift to the food pantry

Looking for a way to dispose of your Christmas tree? Look no further!

Council friend and supporter Michael Fanning is back with his silver truck to help you dispose of your Christmas tree and/or other trash items.

Please call or text Michael directly to arrange a pick up - (617) 678 - 8600.

For his time and service all Michael asks is you make a gift to the food pantry.

Sandra Robinson

Executive Director

Judy Lambert

Director of Programs and Volunteers

Suzanne Baker

Director of Development and PR

Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Board

Needham Community Council

570 Hillside Avenue

Needham, MA 02494

781-444-2415

office@needhamcouncil.org

Connect with us

Visit our website

The Needham Community Council is a private 501(C)3 non-profit organization which supports people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs, and promotes volunteerism, community and a sense of shared responsibility.