Posted on by susang

Providing Meals for Homeless Neighbors

Homeless populations face significant challenges right now as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our homeless neighbors in Arlington need meals, water, and the means to clean up with soap and sanitizer. Meals must be “ready to eat” and require no heating or preparation as no one has access to any heat source. Please help in any way you can with ready to eat meals, gallon jugs of water, sturdy water bottles, utensils, soap and sanitizer. You can sign up to help with as much or as little as you’d like each week. Somerville Homeless Coalition will distribute meals and supplies during their weekly Friday outreach as well as helping connect as many people as possible to housing.

Here is the signup link, which includes location and time for drop-off:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B4BA4AA2FA6F58-meals

Blood Donations

There is a severe blood shortage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Red Cross has implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of donors and staff. If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment now to donate in the days and weeks ahead by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Arlington EATS Market

The market is now accepting donations on Thursdays from 9-12. We have a great need for the following items:

  • Cereal
  • Oatmeal
  • Canned green beans*
  • Canned corn
  • Macaroni & Cheese*
  • Canned* or Dried beans
  • Snacks/granola bars
  • Salad dressing
  • Shelf Stable Soy Milk or Almond Milk*
  • Brown Paper Bags (we can use what you got at the store)

* Great items to purchase in bulk at Costco!

Donations are contactless as you can drop the outside the back door of Saint John’s at 74 Pleasant Street, Arlington. Our numbers have increased by 50% since the beginning of Covid-19 and we need to try to keep up with demand!

You can also help by donating to the COVID-19 fund.

Sewing Masks

The store Gather Here created a video tutorial and a written tutorial for sewing fabric masks.

You can drop off completed masks in their drop box, which is available from 12-6 PM at 1343 Cambridge Street in Cambridge. Please place your completed mask in a ziplock (or equivalent) bag. Thank you for your assistance!