Charlestown has always taken care of its own, and there are plenty of ways—big and small—to make sure no one goes hungry or without gifts this holiday season. Whether you can donate canned goods or gifts, volunteer your time, or give a few dollars, your kindness will go a long way.

Here’s your guide to giving locally:

Local Food Pantries & Organizations Accepting Donations

Harvest on Vine Food Pantry

Address: 46 Winthrop St, Charlestown, MA 02129
Details: Faith-based pantry distributing groceries twice a month (2nd Saturday & last Tuesday) to Charlestown residents. Proof of residency required.
How to Help: Donate non-perishable foods such as rice, pasta, cereal, and canned goods.
Website: cominghomedirectory.org

Meal In A Bag

Harvest on Vine is currently gearing up for their Meal In A Bag food drive. They are asking for donations of a complete dinner for a family of four! Sign up for donating a bagged meal, here!

Drop off details: Week of December 8th you can drop off bags at 49 Vine Street (next to Dollar Tree); Monday-Friday 9-5pm … please drop by 9am on 12/13 and it will be distributed by volunteers that day.  Or, if you would like to volunteer for distribution of bags, you can email [email protected].

Charlestown’s own Ronald McDonald House

Did you know we have a Ronald McDonald House right in Charlestown? The house provides fully furnished apartments for families who are traveling from all over the world to come to the best hospitals here in Boston for their critically sick children. This year, most children who are staying in the Charlestown Ronald McDonald house are here for Neurology, cardiology, and oncology treatments.

If you are looking for ways to donate & volunteer in the community, here are a few ways you can help.

1. Buy items off of their Amazon wishlist. This list is updated frequently with needs for the families and the house.

2. Meals with love program. Sign up to cook a meal for the families so they don’t need to worry about food when they get home from long days at the hospital.

3. Volunteer an activity. Activities can include leading a craft activity, game night, giving manicures, face painting and more. It’s a way to entertain the families so they can be together without focusing on health issues for a moment.

NEW Health Charlestown Community Fridge

Address: 15 Tufts Street, Charlestown, MA 02129
Details: A 24/7 community fridge offering free food access for neighbors — “take what you need, leave what you can.”
How to Help: Drop off pre-packaged or shelf-stable items (no raw meat or open containers).
Website: newhealthcenter.org

Charlestown Resident Alliance Food Pantry

Address: 76 Monument St, Charlestown, MA 02129
Details: Operated through local housing and resident networks to support Charlestown families in need.
How to Help: Donate pantry staples or coordinate a neighborhood food drive through the Resident Alliance.

DISH Food Pantry – Bunker Hill Community College

Address: 250 Rutherford Avenue, Charlestown, MA 02129
Details: Campus pantry serving BHCC students and staff experiencing food insecurity.
How to Help: Donate shelf-stable foods, hygiene items, or baby supplies.
Website: bhcc.edu/dishfoodpantry

Harvest Ministry at St. Mary–St. Catherine of Siena Parish

Address: 46 Winthrop Street, Charlestown, MA 02129
Details: Works in partnership with Harvest on Vine to collect and distribute food to local families.
How to Help: Bring donations to the parish office or coordinate group drives through the parish website.
Website: stmarystcatherine.org

Charlestown YMCA Food Access Program

Address: 150 Third Avenue, Charlestown, MA 02129
Details: The YMCA collaborates with Greater Boston Food Bank to provide fresh groceries to local families.
How to Help: Donate shelf-stable food items or support their grocery distribution efforts.
Website: ymcaboston.org

Boston Housing Authority – Charlestown Development Food Distribution

Address: Bunker Hill Housing Development, Charlestown, MA 02129
Details: Community-based food program supporting residents in public housing.
How to Help: Coordinate bulk food or grocery card donations through the BHA office.
Website: bostonhousing.org

💵 Other Ways to help

Monetary donations go a long way—especially since local food programs can stretch your dollar through partnerships with the Greater Boston Food Bank or Project Bread. A $25 donation can feed a family for a week! Consider giving online to the Greater Boston Food Bank and/or Project Bread!

Julie’s Family learning program is looking for gift card donations to help families in need.  You can learn more here.

Project Paulie supports over 30 local organizations.

Know of another way to give back? Drop the details in the comments below.