HOPE FRAMINGHAM FOOD PANTRY

Founded in 1993, the pantry has had the same mission since the doors were opened – provide healthy food and services to the needy and underserved population of the Metro West area in a manner that provides our clients dignity and respect. Around 300 families are provided support on a monthly basis. The Greater Boston Food Bank and the Boston Church of Christ have played key ongoing roles in providing food sources, funding and a home for the food pantry. The pantry is open for clients twice per month on Wednesday morning and most Saturday mornings.

HONORING THE ELDERLY

The goals of our elderly programs are to provide companionship, conversation, and fun to the elderly who live in local nursing homes. Something as simple as providing conversation can make a world of difference. Our volunteers cherish hearing the life stories of the elderly and develop friendships that are very rewarding for everyone.

HOPE SCOUTS

The vision of the HOPE scouts is to raise up young leaders and community contributors so that they can learn how to develop relationships and communicate with dignity and respect with the underserved. Volunteerism can start young, and children are far more likely to become community citizens and to be active in the service of others as adults if they serve in their youth.

November

The theme for November is Each Family Feeds a Family. Thanksgiving is a great time to reach out to family and our neighbors. The primary program involves our volunteers providing holiday dinner baskets to families, serving in local food kitchens and pantries and enjoying meals with neighbors.

December

The theme for December is Remember the Children. The holiday season is a very natural time for volunteers to spend time with people and families in need. Many of the volunteers participate in toy drives and holiday parties for children and teens in foster care and shelters. Hundreds of children are remembered with holiday gifts and encouragement. In addition, HOPE Community stores are set up to provide parents the opportunity to purchase gifts for their families. New toys are donated and sold at garage sale prices. Everyone enjoys a bargain and the store is a fun event for all involved. In addition a concert to support a local charity is conducted.

January

The theme for January involves servant-hood during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Every person can be great because everyone can serve! Many local outreach efforts have been performed individually, in small groups and in partnership with local organizations. Red Cross blood drives have been consistently conducted during this month.

In January HOPE worldwide Massachusetts also provides a scholarship program for kids in the local foster care system--these grants provide money to help support the youth to strive towards higher education.

We encourage our volunteers to participate in Sunday Suppers. This effort involves people reaching out to have a meal with other people from other cultures and backgrounds that they have not spent time with in the past. Bonds are created and the vision that Martin Luther King, Jr. had for equality, respect, love and unity is attained through a simple meal.