Summer 2025 Newsletter

Summer 2025

News & Updates

On a recent Wednesday, Wellesley High School Students finished part of their Senior Project by collecting home goods for the WH shelves. Over the course of one hour, car after car pulled up filled with high quality, mostly used goods. It was the largest single donation of used goods that we have received in our eight years of operation.

Thank you so much to all who made this drive possible in Wellesley and for the Welcome Home volunteers who carried, sorted, and shelved. (Photo: Sheryl Kalis)

Welcome Home Supporters -

This 4th of July weekend will mark the eighth anniversary of Welcome Home. What started as a small idea and the partnership of friends has become an established nonprofit organization that served more than 10,000 people last year and is on track to serve many more in the year to come. Our work reminds us of the Margaret Mead quote: "Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world.”

During this time of uncertainty for many, Welcome Home has remained steadfast in our commitment not to require fees, forms, or any type of documentation from those who we serve. It remains our aim to meet our clients with dignity throughout the process, from the initial request for home goods until the day of pickup.

We are grateful to you for your support. Our work really matters.

Warmly,

Julie Plaut Mahoney and Mindy Peckler, co-founders

and The Welcome Home Team

We kindly ask that you forward this newsletter to colleagues, friends and family;

and spread the word about us to businesses and organizations.

The more items we receive, the more homes we can fill

with the most basic household necessities. Thank you.

DOING COLLEGE STUDENT CLEANOUT

OR COLLEGE PREPARATION?

Did your college student just graduate and you don't know what to do with all their extra home goods? Welcome Home will gladly take surplus bedding, towels, mini-fridge, microwave, fan, portable a/c, vacuum, lamp, storage drawers, small rugs, etc. that have no chips, stains, tears and are in good working order.

Are you preparing for your child to go to college in the fall? Consider purchasing double of a few items, if you can spare it, and help support others.

We rely on a constant stream of incoming donations.

If you have any donations to contribute,

please schedule a drop off appointment here.

Don't have any items to donate, but want to support our efforts? Purchase items from our Wish List, organize a Donation Drive or make a financial donation.

Wish List

Donation Drive

Donate Funds

To mail a financial contribution, please send a check, made payable to:

Welcome Home

PO Box 590351

Newton Center, MA 02459

Donor Advised Funds and Qualified Charitable Distributions welcome.

Tax ID: 32-0609377

Make your gift go even further - check if your employer has a matching gift program.

CHRONICLE INTERVIEW

Watch us on

WCVB Chronicle here!

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

Spreading the Word and Support

ILENE SOLOMON

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

We want to thank Ilene Solomon of Coldwell Banker Realty (below, center) for her support of Welcome Home. Ilene has made a generous pledge to donate a new microwave for each home closing she completes in 2025.

Microwaves are one of our most asked for items and it is comforting to know that we will have a steady supply. Ilene is also promoting Welcome Home through her public relations channels and encouraging her clients to donate as well.

We are incredibly grateful for this partnership ... Thank you, Ilene!

Village Bank: An Integral Part of the Community

Welcome Home has been receiving support from The Village Bank practically since our inception.

This month, the Village Bank will be hosting a blanket donation drive in nine branch locations. Stop by, make a donation, and say thank you for supporting our community. We thank Amy Werner, Sue Chapman, and The Village Bank team for their sustained commitment and support of Welcome Home.

Corporate Support Is Essential to our Efforts

Mark's Moving & Storage,

the Official Mover of Welcome Home.

Also offers portable, warehouse, final mile, and record storage solutions to address

all your needs.

Ever wonder how Welcome Home supplies hundreds of households each month with home goods? In addition to our individual donations and donation drives, we have corporate partners.

One integral partner, Mark's Moving & Storage, provides transportation every other week from a large international corporate donor to Welcome Home. With help from Mark's Moving we have the ability to accept large donations from businesses, which are a significant contributor to our inventory.

Know of a business that might want to donate their clearance items, returns, or surplus goods? Please contact us.

THANK YOU

TO OUR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

Welcome Home relies on a variety of volunteers, including high school students. We value the energy, curiosity and commitment of our younger volunteers who unload and sort donations, pack for client pickups and meet clients at Welcome Home appointments. We commend you for dedicating your free time to helping others and the environment, and we all wish you the best in your next chapter.

Congratulations to Ellie, Emma, Tal, and Teia!