‘Tis the Season for Giving Back in East Boston

Here are some local organizations, groups, and charities to consider donating to this holiday season!

ZUMIX

For the musically inclined – this nonprofit youth organization’s mission is to build community through music and creative technology. You’ll find a range of volunteer opportunities on their website, from photography and videography needs to homework tutoring. ZUMIX is located at the former Engine Company 40 Firehouse on the corner of Sumner and Orleans Streets.

East Boston Soup Kitchen

Located in the heart of East Boston’s Maverick Square, the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen is the go-to destination for those hungry for nourishment and community.  You can learn more about this important organization here! 

Eastie Farm

A grassroots organization, Eastie Farm provides a space for community-supported agriculture, gardening, food waste management, and other eco-conscious practices. To be a part of these community efforts at the Sumner Street green space, check out one of the weekly volunteer work parties – or, text “Volunteer” to 617-207-6545 to find more opportunities.

Friends of Belle Isle Marsh

Friends of Belle Isle Marsh is a grassroots organization who originally came together in the 1980’s to protect the salt marsh and abutting uplands from toxic industrial use and development, and instead work towards conservation and non-intrusive recreation. We aim to protect nature that protects us from storms and sea-level rise, serves as a much-needed respite for migrating birds and as a habitat for many species, including some on the endangered species list, and provides a beautiful and rare open green space to relax in. FBIM members find meaning in connecting with nature, and we welcome youth, teachers, nature lovers, bird lovers, environmentalists, and particularly, people of less privilege who are more adversely affected by environmental crises, including climate change.  You can learn more here. 

Salesians Boys and Girls Club of East Boston

The Salesians Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to provide a home that welcomes, a playground where lasting friendships are made, a club that evangelizes by shaping moral character and values, and a school atmosphere that prepares life. You can learn more here! 

Piers Park Sailing Center

This waterfront nonprofit on Marginal Street works to make Boston Harbor more accessible and provide a recreational outlet for people of all ages and abilities. From youth offerings like the “Harbor Explorers” marine ecology program to adult programming like a learn-to-sail course, there’s something for everyone. You can also opt to volunteer with tasks like boat maintenance and fundraising.

Veronica Robles Cultural Center

Eastie’s Latin American cultural center is open to anyone who’d like to participate in their programs, which cover skills development for artists and entrepreneurs, a youth leadership program, and a variety of dance, art, and music classes. Check out the website to find current volunteer needs, plus a calendar of annual events and festivals.

Friends of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway

The Mary Ellen Welch Greenway is a recreational open space in East Boston that runs from the historic Jeffries Point Waterfront through the neighborhood towards Constitution Beach and beyond. Residents of all ages use it running, jogging, walking, biking, or just strolling while taking in the historic and ecological beauty of various points along its length. Though the Greenway is part-owned by the City of Boston and in part by Massport, the Friends of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway, an organization of residents, stewards its use and serves as the stewardship body. This organization is always looking for more people to get involved. You can learn more here. 

Did we miss your favorite local charity or organization, send us an email and tell us about it at [email protected]