E-Newsletter
An Electronic Publication of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce welcomed Help For Our Community
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce welcomed Help For Our Community as a new member in November.
Help For Our Community is a Fitchburg-based non-profit organization that serves the homeless and other disadvantaged populations in 14 North Central Mass communities with a variety of emergency-based programs.
2016 will be the 16th year that HFOC has been cooking and delivering hot meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, anticipating the demand for more than 750 meals this holiday season. Throughout the year, HFOC also gathers supplies for school back-packs for foster children, kits of necessities for homeless families, and a monthly diaper pantry for struggling moms. The Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner fire departments rely on HFOC when a family may be in need in the event of a house fire. They are called in to gather information on the individuals to help provide clothing, toiletries, gift cards for grocery stores, and small household items. All of the resources come from community members who are able to secure items and pass them along through HFOC’s efforts.
People in need may not know where to turn, and HFOC is able to direct them to services in place, in order to maximize the impact of other local organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the VA, and senior centers. But HFOC is often asked to “fill the gaps” in existing programs. Many people have come to rely on their work, so HFOC is constantly in need of volunteers, financial support, and donations of important supplies.
While HFOC hopes to open a donation center in future, monetary donations can be made at Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) branches at 350 John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg or 1123 Central Street in Leominster. To donate food or other goods, please call director Tami Arguelles on (978) 846-6426. More information is available on their Facebook page.
