Amidst quite the unusual summer for everyone, we hope that you and your loved ones find yourselves managing as well as can be expected. Finding beauty in humble places may just be our united superpower after this year of extreme challenges.

Below you will see uplifting stories and updates that we would like to share with you about our continued service to our local communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are indebted to our Chapter Leaders who have initiated so many new and meaningful relationships which support community-wide efforts to provide essential food and supplies to those in need. We are also in awe of our 454 new volunteers that have joined our organization since March of this year, who together with our more seasoned volunteers, have completed over 2,000 volunteer opportunities to help their communities. There is no doubt that together we are stronger.

As an organization we continue to have the dual priority of supporting those affected by the COVID-19 crisis as well as assuring that diversity, equity and inclusion continue to be a priority in all that we do. Some recent steps we have taken include applying for grant funding for new DEI initiatives, making more purchases from black owned businesses, and proactively pursuing new chapter partnerships in communities that are predominantly composed of people of color. You, our supporters, inspire us, so please feel free to share with us any ideas or steps you have personally taken or actions your workplace has taken to close the equity gap in our country. There is still so much more to do and learn; what is important is that we don't stop trying.

Sincerely,

Polly Mendoza              

Executive Director    

The Acton-Boxborough Neighbor Brigade was the recipient of the William L. Ryan Community Service Award given at the graduation ceremonies of the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in late June. The Acton-Boxborough Chapter is led by Kathleen Surdan and Nora McMillan, two inspirational leaders that couldn't be more deserving of such accolades. In March, they swiftly collaborated with the Food Services Dept. (co-recipients of the award), to both manage on-site distribution as well as at-home deliveries of breakfasts and lunches for any food insecure households in the community. Today, they continue to do grocery shopping for immunocompromised residents, provide ride shares for residents in need of attending critical appointments, and help distribute weekly meals and food from local food pantries and places of worship. Since March they have completed over 500 volunteer tasks and their volunteer pool has increased from 60 to over 160! Kathleen and Nora we thank you for embodying Pam's vision and mission in such a beautiful way.