Natick Service Council Newsletter

July 2026

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Back to School

For many families, the first day of school brings excitement, anticipation, and a long shopping list. Between backpacks, school supplies, clothing, shoes, lunch boxes, and water bottles, the cost of preparing for a new school year can quickly become overwhelming.

That's where our community steps in.

Each year, NSC's Back to School Program helps local students begin the school year with the confidence that comes from having everything they need to succeed. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, we are supporting over 400 Natick students with new backpacks, grade-level school supplies, lunch boxes, water bottles. In addition, each child enrolled in the program will receive a TJX gift card, funded through a generous grant from the TJX Foundation.

But this program is about so much more than school supplies.

When students walk into the classroom prepared, they can focus on learning instead of worrying about what they may be missing. Parents experience peace of mind knowing their children have the same opportunities as their classmates, easing financial stress during one of the year's most expensive seasons. As one NSC family shared, "My daughter was absolutely thrilled with her backpack, lunchbox, and school supplies last year. She was so excited when I showed her the color choices for this coming school year."

This summer, our goal is once again to help every student start the school year ready to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you purchase items from our school supply wish list, organize a collection drive, or make a financial contribution, your support helps ensure that every child in our community begins the school year with dignity and confidence.

Together, we're doing more than filling backpacks, we're helping students build a strong foundation for a successful school year and reminding every family that they are part of a community that cares.

NSC in the Community : Summer Eats

This summer, NSC is proud to partner with the MetroWest YMCA and A Place to Turn Food Pantry (APTT) to help ensure local families have access to nutritious food while school is out.

Through the Summer Eats program, children and teens can enjoy free, healthy meals at the MetroWest YMCA, while NSC and APTT host a weekly farmers market with fresh produce and pantry staples. Together, our organizations are making it easier for families to access nutritious food in one convenient location throughout the summer months.

This collaboration reflects the power of community partnerships. By combining our resources, we're able to reach more families, reduce barriers, and provide fresh, healthy options when they're needed most.

We're grateful to our partners and volunteers for helping make this program possible and for demonstrating what can happen when organizations come together to support our neighbors.

Pictured is NSC's Executive Director, Rachel Vingsness and Case Manager, Niamh Lynch

Join Team NSC!

The Ride & Stride for Food is a fundraising event supporting local food pantries and hosted by Three Squares New England.

100% of the funds raised by Team NSC support the Food Pantry here at Natick Service Council.

Join us for the Ride & Stride for Food on Sept. 27th, and be a part of our community coming together to build a stronger Natick -

one step, one stride, one pedal at a time.

Free registration with code: NATICK2026

Join Team NSC for the Ride & Stride for Food!

Service Spotlight: UWill

At NSC, we know that strong communities are built through meaningful partnerships, and we're grateful to celebrate a recent act of generosity from our friends at Uwill, a leading mental health and wellness company headquartered right here in Natick.

During a recent all-hands staff day, Uwill employees came together to support NSC by assembling snack bags for local families. These snack bags will be distributed through both our Food Pantry and our Summer Eats Farmers Market, helping ensure children and families have access to nutritious, convenient food throughout the summer months.

Uwill also made a generous of $5,000 donation to support NSC's mission of helping Natick neighbors.

The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the snack bags themselves. Every bag assembled represents a family receiving a little extra support, a child having access to a healthy snack, and a community coming together to care for one another.

Thank you, Uwill, for helping us strengthen our mission of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Pictured here are members of the UWill staff

Falmouth Road Race

This August, three incredible community members are lacing up their running shoes to represent NSC at the Falmouth Road Race. Together, Kaitlin, Cally, and Pat have set a goal of raising $4,500 to support NSC programs that provide food, clothing, financial assistance, career support, and other essential resources to Natick neighbors with care and dignity.

Each runner has their own reason for participating. For Kaitlin, it's about showing her children what strength and perseverance look like while giving back to the community her family is proud to call home. Cally, a nurse and lifelong runner, believes running is a privilege and is using that privilege to support neighbors through NSC's work. Pat is inspired by the impact NSC has every day and is running to help ensure every neighbor can access the resources they need.

We are incredibly grateful to Kaitlin, Cally, and Pat for dedicating their time and energy to support our mission of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. We hope you'll join us in cheering them on and helping them reach their fundraising goal!

Donate to Support Team NSC!

Harriet's Closet Thrift Boutique

Harriet’s Closet is having a 50% off sale!

Stop by to browse a great selection of clothing and unique finds, all at affordable prices.

The store is open for community thrifting every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. NSC Clients continue to shop at no cost Monday-Thursday.

Every purchase directly supports NSC programs, helping neighbors in our community.

Come shop, save, and support a great cause, we hope to see you at Harriet’s Closet!

Follow the Harriet's Closet Facebook, Instagram & TikTok account for a sneak peek on what's available in store!

@harrietsclosetthrift

Upcomming Events

Every gift makes a difference. Your support helps NSC provide nourishing food, career coaching, housing assistance, and emergency resources to hundreds of Natick neighbors each month — bringing our mission of neighbors helping neighbors to life.

Make a Donation Today

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