Many Helping Hands is a group of volunteers of all ages coming together to help Cambridge residents in need on Martin Luther King Day. Our second annual day of service took place on January 16, 1012. Explore our site to learn how you can honor the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. by taking action in our community. Join us next year for our 3rd MLK Day of Service on January 21, 2013!
In the meantime for year round volunteer needs check out the
NEW Cambridge Volunteering Website -http://www.manyhelpinghands365.org

Monday, January 9, 2012

Counting Down...Only One Week to Go!!!

“The time is always right to do what’s right." Dr. Martin Luther King

We couldn’t agree more!

And with just one week left before our 2nd Annual MLK Cambridge Day of Service, we’re getting ready to put hundreds of helping hands to work on fun, family-friendly crafts projects to benefit Cambridge residents in need.

We’re thrilled with the enthusiastic response to our advance calls for volunteers and support.

If you haven’t already signed up, NOW is the time. Advance registration (free) is very helpful for planning purposes, but, you can register at the door: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1138075013

Monday, January 16, 2-5 pm in Central Square
Volunteers are asked to assemble and check in on City Hall steps at 2:00 sharp. After a brief 15 minute welcome ceremony, we’ll fan out to the YWCA (7 Temple St.) and the Senior Center (806 Mass Ave). (If you arrive after 2:15, please go directly to either of the two service locations.)

If you’d like to be part of our event crew, helping with day-of logistics (event set-up and clean-up; assigning volunteers to locations; organizing and staging supplies; assisting young volunteers with tasks, as needed), please email: manyhelpinghandscambridge@gmail.com

This year’s event is shaping up to be even bigger and more fun than last year’s. A few highlights:
  • Over 250 individuals and groups have pre-registered to lend a hand. Volunteer groups include: teachers from the MATCH School in Boston; Starbucks employees; high school students from Burlington, VT; veterans from New Bedford; and a youth hockey team. If you’d like to bring a group, just let us know and we’ll assign you to work together in the same location.
  • The Cambridge business community has rallied around our cause with financial donations and gifts in kind to defray the cost of the supplies. See list of business and retail supporters below.*
  • Award-wining singer-actress Valerie Stephens and Cambridge’s “Poet Populist” Toni Bee will lead us in song and verse at our welcome ceremony on City Hall steps at 2 p.m. CCTV will be there to film our gathering!
  • Starbucks stores in Central Square and Harvard Square have put out collection baskets for donations to our food, winter clothing and children’s book drive. Volunteers are asked to bring donations with them on the 16th (see below).
What we’ll be making (no heavy lifting, all work is indoors): fleece scarves and blankets for homeless men, women and children; valentine cards for shut-in elders; bookmarks for students in adult literacy programs; and activity kits for children waiting in hospital emergency rooms.

Don't come empty-handed!
If you can, please bring one or more of the following to share with someone in need.
  • a gently used children's book;
  • gently used winter clothing;
  • non-perishable food items.
*We are very grateful to our local business supporters: Cambridge Trust, TAGs Hardware, Masse’s Hardware, Fresh Pond Market, Henry Bear’s Park, Starbucks, Classic GraphicX, Whole Foods, Stop and Shop, Gentle Giant, Staples, TD Bank North and Keeper Springs Water.

Thank you for helping us in any way you can!

See you on Monday, January 16th.