PHOTO: Rotary Club of Newton members collected linens for Helpsy in one of their many holiday giving efforts this year. Courtesy Photo
The Rotary Club of Newton has kept busy over the holiday season, with multiple projects focusing on assisting the Newton community through what can be a particularly challenging time of year.
Club President Gayemarie Brown discussed several of their major efforts throughout the past month and how their “service above self” motto is integral to the approach they take within Newton.
The season kicked off with their annual Pie in the Sky fundraiser, with funds being used to support Community Servings, a Jamaica Plain-based organization aimed at providing high-quality meals to people across Massachusetts living with chronic illnesses.
Brown lauded the long-running program and the people dedicated to its success.
“[Rotarian and realtor] Marie Presti has been the champion behind this drive for a decade. She’s the driving force and energy behind it,” Brown said.
On Dec. 7, the club held its Helpsy Clothing Drive in partnership with the charity Welcome Home, which redistributes all items collected to households in need throughout The Commonwealth. It also helped introduce Newton’s youth to the importance of community service. On the topic of youth involvement, Brown said, “We start to engage some of our younger Rotarians—high school students, that kind of thing—to help load up the trucks and everything like that.”
From Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 8, they partnered with the Mayor’s Office to hold their Mini Golf Spectacular, with the only prerequisite for entry being the donation of a gift for a child in need, intending to create a fun family event while giving back to the community.
In a city like Newton, nonprofits sometimes face a challenge of the city’s reputation for high incomes and high home prices.
“There’s this weird sort of perception that Newton is wealthy and doesn’t need help, but
there’s so much need here,” Brown said.
While on paper Newton might not stick out as a town in need, her firsthand experiences reflect how that misconception can allow people to fall through the cracks and experience reluctance when it comes to seeking out local resources. “Sometimes people in this community don’t feel comfortable reaching out for help, but the need is there,” Brown said.
She hopes these efforts can continue to bring people together and increase awareness
surrounding issues that might otherwise be overlooked. While The Rotary Club of Newton is
over a century old, Brown also wants to dispel any notions that the club is exclusive.
“People think Rotary is some old boys’ club, but it’s not. It’s people of all backgrounds coming together to give back,” she said.
Though this might be one of their busiest seasons, Brown believes the events they provide are driven by something deeper than holiday generosity.
“People aren’t just giving because it’s the holidays. Volunteers here want to make a lasting impact.”
You can learn more about the Rotary Club of Newton, including ways to help, here.