Community Newsletter
September, 2021
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How you've helped your neighbors in need on their road to self-sufficiency. |
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Expanded Family Food Program Can Change a Family's Outcome
On September 1st, we expanded our Family Food program to get more food into the hands of larger families. In the past, families with children could visit the Food Pantry every 7 days during the summer. This helped ensure families had enough food while school was out. During the pandemic, this program was extended throughout the year. We are excited that this program is now open to families with three or more adults (18+) as well.
Mark*, who lives with his girlfriend Sandra*, and son Mark Jr.* who attends North Shore Community College, began using our pantry at the beginning of the pandemic. Mark and Sandra had both been laid off from the restaurant industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mark met with a case manager who was able to assist him in applying for SNAP benefits (Learn more about SNAP >>), and explained the other services available to him.
As businesses started reopening, Mark was able to secure a job driving for Uber to try and get back on his feet. Although he is working, his income is not enough to cover the cost of food for his family of three. Through the expanded Family Food program, he is now able to come every week.
We were able to expand our Family Food program thanks to our generous supporters. This program is vital for the health and well-being of families. Without you, our donors, families like Mark would continue to struggle with food accessibility.
*Names changed for privacy
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September is Hunger Action Month
Food shouldn’t be an impossible choice.
For tens of millions of people in America, a daily meal isn’t a choice between different dishes. It’s a choice between food and other crucial needs—like medicine, electricity, or childcare. This September, choose to stand against hunger. Sharing, volunteering, pledging, fundraising, and donating are just a few ways to help end the impossible choices of hunger.
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United States Postal Service Recognizes Beverly Bootstraps
Last week Beverly's Postmaster, Anthony Leccese recognized Beverly Bootstraps for our work over the course of the pandemic with a special dedication of the 2020 Forever Thank You Stamp. Here is part of his speech:
"Thank you for joining the United States Postal Service today as we dedicate and honor an unsung hero for our city.
2020 was a year like no other. Due to the Covid 19 outbreak, our lives changed. Schools, restaurants, stores and businesses closed, some people worked from home, many could not work at all. Through it all, one thing became evident - concern for one another was at an all-time high. Essential workers became heroes - the amazing people that are contributing to getting our lives back to normal.
USPS understands what it means to be essential – to show up when nobody else does, to put forth an extra effort to ensure that a need is met. We would like to take this time to acknowledge the extra effort that Beverly Bootstraps gave when it was needed.
On August 21, 2020, the USPS issued a forever Stamp that perfectly states what everybody is thinking when Beverly Bootstraps is mentioned: Thank you! Thank you for a job well done. You were there for Beverly and the surrounding areas when you were needed the most."
The entire team at Beverly Bootstraps is honored by this dedication and thanks our donors, friends, and supporters who helped make our efforts possible.
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Food Pantry and Thrift Shop Volunteers Needed!
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? We currently have volunteer opportunities in both our Thrift Shop and Food Pantry. Options for volunteers who wish to limit their contact with others in a safe environment are available. More information can be found on our website or by emailing our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@beverlybootstraps.org.
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Snack Bags Needed
Are you looking for an easy way to help others?
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Mobile Market Made Possible Thanks to Two Generous Donors
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Local Scout Troop Holds Successful Food Drive
Thank you to Beverly's Scout Troop 2 and everyone who supported their Food Drive. They amazed us with 1,233 pounds of food and personal item donated. We are so fortunate to have such caring Scouts in our community!
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712 Backpacks Placed in the Hands of Deserving Kids
Thank you to everyone who donated supplies, volunteered, and supported our 2021 Back-to-School Backpack Drive. We were able to distribute 712 backpacks to local children and schools making sure all kids have the tools they need to learn!
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A Great Lesson in Giving Back at Beverly Middle School
The School's Out group at Beverly Middle School graciously donated their food cart money back to Beverly Bootstraps this summer. We are thankful to know such generous students who want to give back to their community and help make the world a better place!
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Hunger Action Month Food Drive
Saturday, September 11, from 10 am – 2 pm
Beverly Bootstraps Parking Lot, 35 Park Street, Beverly
September is Hunger Action Month. You can act in the fight against hunger by participating in Beverly Bootstrap’s Drive-Thru Food Drive, on Saturday, September 11th from 10 am – 2 pm at 35 Park Street. To donate, enter their parking lot through the Wallis Street entrance. With curbside drop-off you just pull up and pop your trunk - volunteers will get your food out for you.
For most needed food, click here.
The Greater Beverly Photo Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, September 25, from 2:30 – 5:00 pm
The Castle: A Board Game Cafe, 240 Rantoul Street, Beverly
Put together a team of 3-6 people and join in for an afternoon of fun and giving back! Starting and ending at The Castle, teams will walk and snap photos all throughout downtown Beverly. There is a $35 registration cost per team and all proceeds benefit Beverly Bootstraps. For more information and to register click here.
The month of September
Stop & Shop, 37 Enon Street, Beverly
For the month of September, Beverly Bootstraps will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop stores located at 37 Enon Street, Beverly MA.
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To learn more, click on these handy links: |
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Beverly Bootstraps has always been committed to social justice. Helping people who might not have their basic needs met or an opportunity to avail themselves of education, for whatever reason or life story, is at the core of our mission.
We proudly serve, work with and employ individuals regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality. Further, we ask our community and world to do better and work towards justice and equal opportunities.
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