Waltham’s many nonprofit organizations work year-round to improve the lives of our neighbors.
And they welcome volunteers to help them in their missions.
The Times posted a list of organizations last week to aid any residents seeking volunteer opportunities this holiday season and beyond.
Here we offer a few more. (As you read, let this medley of favorite songs performed by David Rosen put you in the holiday spirit!)
Waltham Boys & Girls Club invites the community to help create cherished memories by donating new toys and gift cards suitable for children of all ages. Donors can also help make the holiday season special for families by contributing to a holiday meal. Volunteers are needed to help with all age groups in a variety of programs: athletics, arts, education, STEM, technology, music, teen and social recreation. These activities range from helping members with homework to playing games in the gym. Interested in coaching a volleyball team, teaching a yoga class, or chess? Help the Boys & Girls Club guide and inspire the next generation. For more information visit its website or contact Erin Donovan at edonovan@walthambgc.org or (781) 893-6620.
Friends of the Waltham Public Library supports and enhances year-round city library services for all Waltham residents. Visit Donate to the Friends to join the Friends of the Waltham Public Library or to support the Friends, the Mawhinney Scholarship Fund and the Waltham Together Teen Room Fun.
Community Day Center of Waltham at 16 Felton St. works to support vulnerable members of our community, and your donation helps to provide greatly needed resources and guidance to clients who are all struggling with homelessness. There are several ways to support the center:
- Donate to the end of year giving campaign. This fund enables the center to operate its winter shelter for men and the thrift store offering clients new or gently used clothing free of charge. Donate online using the above link or mail checks to 16 Felton St., Waltham MA 02453;
- Donate new or gently used clothing at the thrift store. Items can be dropped off at the center weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Men’s jeans and good winter outerwear are especially needed;
- Donate items that can be included in new backpacks given to all clients at the center’s annual holiday party on Dec. 20. Small personal items, gloves, hats, socks, toiletries and holiday treats are welcome. Drop off at the center weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
- Contact the shelter manager for additional volunteer and donation opportunities including healthy meal preparation, shelf-stable food, etc.
Bristol Lodge Family Shelter at 62 Church St. and Bristol Lodge Shelter for Men and Bristol Lodge Shelter for Women at 27 Lexington St. and 205 Bacon St. The shelters serve men, women and families in Waltham who are unhoused. The shelters offer a clean and safe sleeping space to all in need on a first-come, first-served basis. During the winter months, the shelter especially needs
- donations of gift bags for adults or children, which can be dropped off at shelter locations weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
- donations of clothing and shelf-stable food, which can be brought to the distribution center at 300 Wildwood Ave, Woburn, or arrange to have items picked up by calling (781) 894-2099;
- online cash donations.
Cat Connection brings cats and kittens in need to homes with families that will love and care for them. Volunteer support and donations will help Cat Connection to
- foster abandoned cats and kittens;
- facilitate cat adoptions;
- feed local stray cat colonies;
- And provide low-cost spay and neuter assistance.
Visit its website for volunteer and donation opportunities or call (781) 899-4610.
Watch CDC offers support to families in Waltham through its housing clinic, community organizing, financial literacy and job assistance programs, adult education and first-time home buyer classes. Volunteers and donations from the community are needed to help Waltham residents gain skills and navigate systems to get the help and support they need. To help,
- Volunteer with WATCH CDC’s housing clinic, community organizing, adult education programs, annual events and other projects to help support those in need;
- Help out at the Watch CDC office and assist with special events throughout the year;
- Donate to the Tenant Assistance Fund and to support programs that assist the working people of Waltham.
Waltham Partnership for Youth collaborates with youth, families and partner organizations to address long-standing systemic inequities while building a community of belonging and opportunity for Waltham youth. The organization works with more than 600 students each year, providing meaningful paid internships and other professional development opportunities, and leveraging in-school and out-of-school resources for newcomer Spanish-speaking students and families. Support the Waltham Partnership for Youth by making a donation here.
Thanks for reading! We are a reader-supported nonprofit newspaper. If you value our reporting, please support The Waltham Times through a tax-deductible gift.