By Maria Stella Gulla
Many of the 1,400 clients we serve annually in the North End, West End and surrounding neighborhoods are elderly immigrants who are non-English speaking, home-bound, disabled, and alone. They are the “hidden poorâ€. Our elderly residents are once again facing hunger in a time of economic uncertainty, rising rents and energy costs, and the increase in food prices.
The holidays are a wonderful time for gathering and connecting with families, but for many of the seniors who flock to our doors, they have no sense of belonging or comfort. The ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center is their closest sanctuary. We know the need in Boston is growing. In the past two years, the number of households coming to ABCD food pantries has increased by more than 60%.
ABCD seeks to ensure that all our neighbors are safe and warm during Boston’s harsh winters. Last year, with support from generous members of the community, ABCD’s Winter Emergency Campaign reached more than 3,000 individuals and families in need with fuel assistance, food, clothing, and holiday books and toys. This year, we aim to help as many, if not more, people. We need increased support in order to do so. I hope you will join with us this year in providing the basic necessities to help our neighbors in need survive the winter. Your support also reassures them that they are not alone in confronting this difficult season.
The NE/WE NSC realizes that you are faced with many hard choices this holiday season and thank you for making it possible for us to make available the sustainable gift of food to your neighbors.
$25 will buy a nutritious holiday meal for one family.
$50 will provide 2 bags of fresh and non-perishable groceries for an elderly man or woman living alone.
$100 will buy warm blankets for four beds.
$200 will provide 4 holiday food baskets for homebound seniors who have no visitors.
$500 will buy a half tank of oil to keep a family warm.
$1,000 will provide a homemade, 4-course lunch for one hundred individuals.
Should you wish to make a donation, please mail to:
ABCD’s North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center, 1 Michelangelo Street, Boston, MA 02113.
           If you have any questions, please contact Maria Stella Gulla, ABCD’s NE/WE NSC Director, at 617-523-8125, Ext. 201, or via email at [email protected].