Whoosh, was that spring?
It finally feels like summer, and I'm grateful for that even though we skipped spring this year! Some people must agree with me, because last month our supporters donated a lot of clothing, shoes and accessories - our biggest month in two years. I'm not telling you how much we collected yet, because there's going to be a contest. Details way below.
The clothing that you all donated will help people in our community over the next several seasons. Thank you!
This month we have a local event to tell you about, volunteer opportunities and some fun news to share.
Somerville Clothing and Coin Drive (Union Square, Somerville)
I really enjoy getting out in the community, connecting with supporters and talking about our work - so please come by, drop off some clothing and coins and say hello. We'll be at Somerville Community Growing Center on Wednesday, June 22nd from 5 to 7 p.m.Details and directions »
Help Us with the Clothing and Coin Drive
- Outreach: Can you help with outreach for the event? Share the webpage, the Facebook event, or even download a flyer (pdf) to email or print.
- Volunteer: Want to help out at the event? We need people to work with us during the coin and clothing drive. It's a lot of fun and a great, short, outdoor volunteer activity for families, individuals, anyone willing to help. Email me at info@secondchances.org for details.
- Sponsor: We're seeking a few great event sponsors. Get excellent publicity for your company or organization and your support will sustain our program and the people we support all year long. Details (pdf)
News from the Field
Last month a group of 4th and 5th graders from the Vineyard Church in Cambridge invited me to be the guest speaker at Kids Church. I was more than a little nervous, having dropped out of Sunday School more than 30 years ago - but, the 50 kids, staff and volunteers who joined the discussion made me feel very welcome and appreciated. They enjoyed hearing about Second Chances' work in the community and asked terrific questions about everything from homelessness to recycling to starting a nonprofit. Some shared stories of their own volunteer work and their own experiences with people in need. Their curiosity, enthusiasm and kindness really moved me. The following week they sent the most beautiful handmade thank you cards describing what they'd learned and wishing well to the people we serve. What a lesson in graciousness!Over the weeks after our talk, the 4th and 5th graders coordinated a clothing drive for Second Chances, and members of the Kids Church and the rest of the congregation donated 1,946 pounds of clothing for the people we serve. That's the most clothing ever collected at a clothing drive for Second Chances - one and a half van loads! I'm so proud of the Vineyard Kids Church and honored that they chose Second Chances for their service project this spring.
The Contest
May 2011 was our second biggest month ever for the number of pounds of clothing collected.- What was our biggest month and year?
- How many pounds of clothing, shoes and accessories did we collect in May 2011?
Deadline: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Email your answers to me at info@secondchances.org.
Happy spring and summer,
Andrea Shapiro
Founder and President/CEO
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