Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1175260
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 70 OCTOBER 2019 I N - D E P T H ILLUSTRATIONS BY BY ARIELLE EPSTEIN I N - D E P T H The North Shore is filled with amazing organizations that make where we live a better place. They provide respite for the homeless, bring art to our communities, rescue and shelter animals, and protect beautiful and historic places. But to do that work, they all need the same thing: you. "We rely on our volunteers an incredible amount," says Shyre Lancia, volunteer coordinator for MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen. "We literally cannot do what we do without them." Whatever your interests and passions, there's a volunteer opportunity to match. Here are a few. HELPING HANDS Help Emmaus Inc. support families in need by volunteering at its homeless shelter and other programs. Denise Arnold, volunteer and gifts in-kind manager for Emmaus, says volunteers cook or serve meals, pick up or drop off donations, man the food pantry, and work with children and families on art proj- ects or adult services. Indirect, behind-the- scenes volunteer needs include running food or supply drives, preparing and delivering meals, and assembling hygiene or other kits for residents. Because the shelter has specific needs, Arnold suggests contacting Emmaus to do a targeted drive for specific supplies, such as peanut butter and jelly or baby wipes. And although Thanksgiving or Christmas volunteering is popular, she points out that "we need volunteers year-round, not just at the holidays. We still serve a meal 364 other days of the year," Arnold says. emmausinc.org/what-you-can-do/volunteer/ Help Uncommon Threads empower women through its the nonprofit boutique and wom- en's empowerment program. Volunteers for the Lawrence program help pick up, sort, and organize clothing and accessory donations; work by clients to providing styling services (bilingual stylists are especially needed); help out with fundraising events; provide technical support; and work with retail customers at its social enterprise, Uncommon Closet, says founder and executive director Susan Kanoff. volunteerut@gmail.com Help the Merrimack River Watershed Coun- cil protect our waterways by volunteering at one of its regular shoreline cleanups, says John Macone, outreach specialist/interim director. Watch the website for dates. Volunteer advo- cacy work includes letter-writing campaigns, data collection and dissemination, and atten- dance at hearings or meetings related to help- ing local and state governments implement clean water initiatives. The organization also uses volunteers for water testing, "looking for the impact of combined sewage overflows and stormwater discharge," as well as community educational efforts, Macone says. merrimack.org Help Essex Heritage maintain a historic property during summertime Bakers Island Light Volunteer Days at the Bakers Island Light Station in Salem. Program manager Cheri Grishin says volunteers have helped clear the old pasture, paint the main keeper's house, plant a perennial garden, and clear hiking trails. bakersislandlight.org Help The Trustees of Reservations be a steward of history and nature. With 118 sites under its stewardship, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities, says acting volunteer Ideas and inspiration for volunteering on the North Shore. BY ALEX ANDRA PECCI