Neighbor to Neighbor – How to Lift Each Other Up in 02129

Spring is in the air, and spirits are lifting! Maybe you’re doing some spring cleaning or want to get more involved in the community to help those in need and meet other like-minded people. There are so many ways to help each other here in Charlestown – whether it’s donating to a local organization, filling up the community fridge, or volunteering your time.

We’ve compiled a helpful list for you here:

• Charlestown Community Cares’ Charlestown Free Community Closet accepts donation drop-offs on Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m. and Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The next Saturday shopping day will be April 13 at 27 Devens Street. The current neighborhood need is for men’s, boys, and unisex teen winter clothing, as well as donation bins that can be purchased here. Reach out to Martina ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
• The Harvest on Vine Food Pantry completes monthly food distributions on the second Saturday and the last Tuesday of the month. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, contact Director Tom MacDonald at (617)-990-7314.
• CharlestownDogs accepts donations through Venmo (@CharlestownDogs) and PayPal ([email protected]) to maintain and invest in Charlestown so it can be the best (and cleanest!) neighborhood for our furry friends and fellow neighbors. CharlestownDogs maintains waste bag boxes in public areas such as, the Training Field, Bunker Hill Monument, Doherty Park, and John Harvard Mall – to name a few! Contact Nikki Nutter ([email protected]) if you have any questions or would like to get involved in maintaining our shared green spaces.
• Support Ronald McDonald House Boston Harbor families with gift cards to local restaurants, Uber/Uber Eats or Visa/Mastercard in $25/$50 denominations, or Amazon and Target wish lists. Contact Kyle Potter ([email protected]) if you’re interested in volunteering with the Meals with Love Program.
• Support the Charlestown Community Fridge, established by the NEW Health Food Access Program to directly increase food access in the Charlestown neighborhood. The fridge is located in an alcove at the front of the Health Center at 15 Tufts St. It is open 24/7 to anyone who needs food or wants to donate.
• Donate to the Charlestown Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to help their mission to provide innovative programs, proven strategies, and caring mentors to Charlestown youth regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status or circumstance.
• Sponsor a teen for summer employment through Turn It Around’s Summer Enrichment Program, a 6-week Life Enrichment Course for Charlestown Youth. Please make a check out in the amount of $1,500 (per youth) to the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, and “Turn It Around Summer” must be on the memo line.

While this list is not totally exhaustive of all the amazing organizations here in Charlestown, it sheds light on some great ways to get involved either monetarily or with your time! Let’s embrace our 02129 pride and support one another!