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Buone Feste! December was a time filled with holiday distributions for the seniors and families that the ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) serves. Although sadly due to COVID-19 there was no December holiday party, staff strove to create feelings of joy and delight in some surprises during this unprecedented year. Thanks to collaboration with the Greater Boston Food Bank,…

CHELSEA, MA. – DECEMBER 4: Edith Zavala thanks a customer for donating along with Aracely Gamboa as they try to raise money for the Salvation Army at Market Basket on December 4, 2020 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

When temperatures drop, heating bills can start to pile up for families across Massachusetts. Community advocacy groups say with pandemic unemployment and economic rollbacks, the number of people needing help to heat their homes this winter could soar. They told Boston 25 News anchor Kerry Kavanaugh, there is now a scramble for funding happening right now to make sure everyone…

The President and CEO of ABCD, John Drew, outlines emergency aid being provided (fuel, rental, housing, food assistance), heightened needs due to the pandemic, and efforts to enlist more support from the local community. WATCH NOW

The coronavirus pandemic didn’t stop the Salvation Army Massachusetts Division from hosting its annual Christmas Castle event in Dorchester Monday. About 5,000 families were able to get food and toys for Christmas, including Alice Ramos and her nephew. “This COVID’s been really hard. My sister tested out positive at the beginning of COVID and it made it difficult for her…

A toy drive for recently fired Boston hotel workers and their children brought a spark of holiday spirit in tough times as the call for donations also circulates across the city. Friday’s toy drive at the Marriott Copley and Revere Hotel organized by UNITE HERE Local 26 joined together struggling hotel employees who have lost work due to the pandemic, some…

In the nine months that the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the U.S., the most vulnerable Americans have struggled to keep up with monthly expenses. Eight million Americans have fallen into poverty since May, and today, there are 10 million fewer employed people than there were before the pandemic. By quickly passing the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, Congress was able to stave off…

As winter approaches along with the persisting pandemic, more families are staying home. This means facing potential significant hikes in household heating bills. Fueling up a tank can cost anywhere from  $200 to $500. Depending on the frequency of use, the tank may need to be refilled at least 3-4 times over the winter months. This is a significant cost,…