Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Northborough Helping Hands Association (NHHA) has announced significant changes to its Holiday Outreach programs in order to keep the safety of all a priority.
For over 30 years, NHHA has facilitated two days of holiday giving. In November, local families and seniors in need receive a turkey and all the fixings for Thanksgiving. Each fall, the group collects over 500 gently used or new coats and boots to allow families to shop for new winter gear when they pick up their turkeys. In December, toys and gifts for children along with grocery gift cards for all households are distributed. All this happens thanks to the generosity of individuals, churches, schools, businesses and organizations in Northborough.
The decision has been made to distribute gift cards in lieu of toys and gifts for Christmas. To allow families enough time to shop, the cards will be distributed with the Thanksgiving meals. These changes address the logistical roadblocks involved with collecting and storing gifts and coats this year. By moving the Christmas program to November, the request for monetary donations requires a much earlier deadline than usual.
NHHA remains committed to providing gift cards to all households at Christmas and coats for children
based on the response to donations.
Recipients of the Holiday Outreach programs are Northborough residents who are actively participating in an authorized social service program through the town. Last year, 129 children and 224 adults received a “helping hand”.
The Thanksgiving meal plans are underway and online donations are being accepted for the first ever “Gift Card Christmas”. To sponsor a child’s coat or gift, please email holidays@northboroughhelpinghands.org.
Please visit the website to make an online donation. A check or gift card may also be mailed to Northborough Helping Hands P.O. Box 383, Northborough, MA 01532. Northborough Helping Hands Association, Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization and a 501(c)(3) charity.