As we turn our attention to giving to local charities during the holiday season, the Press is happy to provide the following list of organizations recommended by townspeople and staff as charities that are doing good work in Harvard and nearby communities. Many of these organizations have had to postpone fundraising activities this year due to the pandemic, while demand for services, especially at food banks and shelters, continues to grow. Note that most charities in this list are organized as nonprofit, but questions about tax deductibility should be addressed to each organization..
Harvard-based
Fanfare for Music
P.O. Box 428, Harvard
fanfareformusic.org
Fanfare supports music education in the Hildreth Elementary School and the Bromfield School. Funds raised are used for requests for items that are not funded through the school budget.
Fivesparks
7 Fairbank St., Harvard
fivesparks.org
Fivesparks serves Harvard by leading the sponsorship, coordination, and promotion of arts and culture in the community. Located in the old library on Fairbank Street, Fivesparks provides space for dance, movement, art, and other classes for all ages and for individuals or town groups to hold community events.
Friends of the Harvard Council on Aging
P.O. Box 474, Harvard
harvard.ma.us/council-aging/pages/friends-harvard-coa
The Friends of the COA is the nonprofit arm of Harvard’s Council on Aging. It raises funds to enhance the COA’s services, programs, and activities.
Friends of the Harvard Public Library and Harvard Friends of the Arts
P.O. Box 506, Harvard
harvardpubliclibrary.org/friends.html
The Friends spark community interest in the services and needs of the Harvard Public Library, provide volunteer help, and sponsor a variety of educational programs and entertainment.
Fruitlands Museum (property of The Trustees of Reservations)
102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, 978-456-3924
fruitlands.org
Fruitlands features the 1826 farmhouse to which Bronson Alcott brought his family, and the first Shaker museum in the world. It has a collection of North American Indian ethnographic materials and an art gallery that contains Hudson River School landscape paintings and 19th-century vernacular portraits.
Bromfield School Giving Tree
pnilan@psharvard.org
The student group Bromfield Cares is organizing a gift drive for local youngsters. Students at the school can view the gift registry, while others can mail monetary donations to the main office at Bromfield (14 Mass. Ave.). Donations will be accepted until Dec. 14.
Harvard Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 31, Harvard
harvardconservationtrust.org
The Conservation Trust is dedicated to the preservation of Harvard’s natural resources and its rural and agricultural character. The trust’s top priority is protecting open space for future generations.
Harvard Elderly and Disabled Taxation Aid Fund
Harvard Town Hall, 13 Ayer Road, 978-456-4100 x318
harvard.ma.us/elderly-disabled-taxation-aid-committee
This fund exists to assist elderly and disabled Harvard residents defray the cost of their property taxes. Funds, which consist totally of donations, are distributed in accordance with established and adopted guidelines.
Harvard Historical Society
P.O. Box 542, Harvard
harvardhistory.org
The Harvard Historical Society promotes interest in Harvard’s past by operating a small museum and presenting free programs of historical interest to the public.
Harvard Lions
P.O. Box 268, Harvard
harvardlions.org
In addition to supporting local community needs and programs, the Harvard Lions Club, like all Lions Clubs around the world, is focused on serving the blind and visually impaired, and those suffering from hearing impairment and diabetes. The Harvard Lions give 50% of donations received to local charities, and the other 50% goes to the overall missions of the Lions to support sight, hearing, and diabetes research. Members pay dues so that nothing donated goes to overhead.
Harvard Schools Trust
P.O. Box 450, Harvard
harvardschoolstrust.org
The Harvard Schools Trust raises funds and fulfills grant requests for curriculum enhancement, extracurricular experiences, special equipment, and staff development at Hildreth Elementary School and the Bromfield School, none of which would be possible within the regular school budget. Now in its 31st year, the trust has funded more than 550 grants.
J.U.M.P. P.O. Box 604, Harvard
jumpinc.org
J.U.M.P. (Just Understand My Potential), founded by Harvard resident Bill Spacciapoli, introduces young people to the mountains of New England. Participants receive mountain-skills training, hiking and backpacking experiences, mentoring, and educational support, helping them to achieve and to expect more of themselves.
Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
145 Bolton Road, Harvard, 978-456-3532
healinggardensupport.org
The Healing Garden is dedicated to providing a healing environment for those with cancer. Complementary therapies to standard medical care, psychosocial support, educational programs, and access to nature are available as part of the garden’s mission to help clients regain control of their health. Services are offered regardless of ability to pay.
Beyond Harvard
Many of these organizations accept not only cash donations, but have other ways to give as well. Many shelters have wish lists, some linked to Amazon to make shopping and giving easy. Some charities are part of Amazon Smile, where .5% of your purchase will be donated to the charity. Others may also be looking for volunteers. The need is great right now in our neighboring towns, and especially in the larger cities of Worcester, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lowell, and Boston.
Food
In addition to the organizations in this section, many local grocery stores, including Ayer Shop ’n Save (22 Fitchburg Road), have donation boxes for food items.
Community Harvest Project
37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton
community-harvest.org
The Community Harvest Project is a volunteer-based farming organization that grows crops and distributes them to people who would not normally have access to fresh produce. It operates an apple and peach orchard on Prospect Hill Road in Harvard and grows vegetables and blueberries in Grafton.
The Food Project
10 Lewis St., Lincoln 01773, 781-259-8621
thefoodproject.org
The Food Project is a launching pad for new ideas about youth and adults partnering to create social change through sustainable agriculture. The organization’s goal is sustainable local food systems that bridge race, class, age, and more to ensure food security for all.
Greater Boston Food Bank
70 South Bay Ave., Boston 02118, 617-427-5200
GBFB.org
The Greater Boston Food Bank partners with over 500 food pantries and community meal programs in 190 towns and cities in eastern Massachusetts, including Acton, Hudson, Maynard, and Stow as well as Harvard’s local food pantry, Loaves & Fishes in Devens.
Growing Places Garden Project
325 Lindell Ave, Leominster 01453, 978-598-3723
growingplaces.org
Harvard residents Cindy Buhner and Kate Deyst created this organization in 2001 with a mission to enhance food security for people with limited economic means in area towns. GPGP has donated raised beds for vegetable gardens to clients and helped them grow, harvest, use, and store their fresh produce.
Heart to Cart
hearttocart.org
Heart to Cart uses donations to purchase supermarket gift cards for people struggling to put food on their tables in the greater Boston area, especially communities hit extremely hard by the pandemic (Revere, Chelsea, East Boston, Lynn, and Mattapan). Demand is high in these areas, and there is currently a waiting list for gift card applicants.
Littleton Community Farm
P.O. Box 1106, Littleton 01460
littletoncommunityfarm.org
Littleton Community Farm’s mission is to reduce food insecurity in our area, provide farm-based education, become a model for responsible land and soil stewardship, and be a place for community connection. In 2020, 100% of the farm’s produce was grown for hunger relief. The farm serves Littleton, Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lowell, and Shirley through various organizations such as Loaves & Fishes. They also serve the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in Lowell and Boston Area Gleaners.
Loaves & Fishes
P.O. Box 1, Ayer 01432, 978-772-4627
loavesfishespantry.org
Loaves & Fishes serves residents of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley by providing food, emergency shelter, referrals, and other temporary services, helping clients gain independence and self-reliance.
Merrimack Valley Food Bank
735 Broadway Street, Lowell 01854, 978-454-7272
mvfb.org
The Merrimack Valley Food Bank provides nutritious food and personal care items to emergency feeding programs serving the low-income, homeless, and hungry. They are one of four food banks in Massachusetts that serve food pantries, shelters, and meal programs that, in turn, serve individuals and families.
Open Table Maynard
33 Main St., Maynard 01754, 978-369-2275
opentable.org
Open Table Maynard offers weekly community meals in Concord and Maynard and food shopping by appointment in Maynard. They are in need of both donations and volunteers.
Stone Soup Kitchen Ministries
41 Littleton Rd., Ayer 01432 978-772-6055
livingwaterfellowship.church/p/clothing-pantry.html
Stone Soup Kitchen Ministries serves all homeless, food insecure, and marginalized people through food, conversations, and meeting material needs. They also work with community members to offer haircuts, literacy help, work skills, wellness visits, substance abuse support, food, and clothing. Stone Soup has no residency or income requirements for participation in meals or any of their other programs.
Worcester County Food Bank
474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury 01545
foodbank.org
Worcester County Food Bank is the region’s leading anti-hunger organization, distributing more than 5 million pounds of donated food and grocery products in partnership with food donors, financial supporters, and volunteers.
Shelter
Abby’s House
52 High St., Worcester 01609, 508-756-5486
abbyshouse.org
Abby’s House opened in 1976 as one of the first overnight emergency shelters for women in the U.S. Committed to ending homelessness, it has focused on expanding the number of service-enriched, affordable housing units in the Worcester area.
Lowell Transitional Living Center
193 Middlesex St., Lowell 01852, 978-458-9888
ltlc.org
Lowell Transitional Living Center is a client-centered emergency shelter for homeless adults, providing housing solutions, meals, and connections to community- based resources and support.
North Star Family Services
758 Main St., Leominster 01453, 978-466-1704
northstarfs.org
North Star Family Services is an emergency shelter in Leominster that assists five families in a community living environment. It provides training, support, and resources based on each family’s needs to help them move out of homelessness.
Our Father’s House
P.O. Box 7251, Fitchburg 01420, 978-345-2256
ofhshelter.com
Our Father’s House provides emergency and transitional housing to homeless men and women at shelters in Fitchburg. The shelters provide meals, shelter, housing search, and advocacy services.
Pine Street Inn
444 Harrison Ave., Boston 02118, 617-892-9100
pinestreetinn.org
Pine Street Inn, the largest homeless services provider in New England, serves nearly 2,000 homeless men and women every day. It provides emergency shelter and services, housing, and workforce development, with a goal of moving its clients out of homelessness.
Rosie’s Place
889 Harrison Ave., Boston 02118, 617-442-9322
rosiesplace.org
Rosie’s Place, the first women’s shelter in the U.S., not only provides meals and shelter to 12,000 women a year, it also helps these women find security in their lives through support, housing, and educational services.
Community
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell
657 Middlesex St., Lowell 01851 978-458-4526
lbgc.org
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell’s vision is to end generational poverty in Lowell by inspiring young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. To that end, the club provides youth members with academic help, sports and recreational programs, meals, and opportunities to volunteer in their communities.
Fresh Start Furniture Bank
16 Brent Drive, Hudson 01749, 508-485-2080
freshstartfurniturebank.org
Fresh Start Furniture Bank is a volunteer-run charity that recycles donated furniture and housewares, for free, to people in need. Their secondary goal is to keep these items out of the waste stream. Clients obtain a referral from a social service agency and then work with a personal shopper to select the items they need to furnish their households.
Household Goods Inc.
530 Main St., Acton 01720, 978-635-1710
hgrm.org
Household Goods Inc. provides household goods, free of charge, to people in need. It accepts donations of gently used household items that will help people make a home.
MassUndocuFund
c/o Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, 375 Centre Street, Boston 02130
massundocufund.org
The MassUndocuFund is a nonprofit that assists undocumented people who have lost their wages and/or employment due to the pandemic. The fund assists with expenses such as temporary housing, home repairs, rent, groceries, essential household items, medical and dental expenses, tools and equipment required for work, school supplies, repair of essential vehicles, moving and storage expenses, and funeral and burial expenses.
Salvation Army
739 Water St., Fitchburg 01420, 978-342-3300
www.salvationarmyusa.org
The Salvation Army runs programs that feed hungry families, provide Christmas presents for needy children, and heat the homes of struggling seniors. It runs nearly 1,400 thrift stores, including stores in Fitchburg, Hudson, and Worcester. It operates in-residence adult rehabilitation centers across the country, runs youth camps, and provides disaster relief support.
WHEAT Community Services
P.O. Box 847, Clinton 01510, 508-370-4943
uwotc.org/wheat
Since 1982, WHEAT Community Services has served low-to-moderate income residents of Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Lancaster, and Sterling by providing critical services during times of need. Today, WHEAT serves nearly 2,000 people by providing them with the resources they need to become self-sufficient.
The Wish Project
P.O. Box 8693, Lowell 01853, 866-947-4360
thewishproject.org
The Wish Project partners with agencies in Lowell and across the Merrimack Valley to help families in need establish long-term residency by providing furniture, household goods, and clothing. It also provides critical immediate assistance to homeless families and victims of fire or disaster. Note that the warehouse in Chelmsford is open for donations by appointment only; mail monetary donations to the post office box.
Pets
Buddy Dog Humane Society
151 Boston Post Road, Sudbury 01776, 978-443-6990
buddydoghs.com
The goal of the nonprofit society is to find responsible and permanent homes for the animals in its care, giving a new lease on life to homeless dogs and cats.
Great Dog Rescue New England
9 Bartlet St., #316, Andover 01810
gdrne.com
In addition to its primary goal of helping homeless dogs find homes, this nonprofit group supports clinics that spay and neuter pets to help solve overpopulation, helps local schools educate about animal rescue and responsible pet ownership, and sends dogs to agencies for training to assist the physically disabled.
Sterling Animal Shelter
17 Laurelwood Road, Sterling 01564, 978-422-8585
sterlingshelter.org
This is a no-kill shelter that seeks to find homes for cats and dogs. All animals are vet-checked, are spayed or neutered, and are current on vaccines.
Volunteer Humane Society
505 Center Bridge Road, Lancaster 01523, 978-365-9470
nokillnetwork.org
This is a 35-year-old, no-kill, cat-only shelter. The shelter’s mission is to find responsible and permanent homes for all the animals in its care and to promote the spaying and neutering of cats.
Arts and Culture
Freedom’s Way Heritage Association
94 Jackson Road #311, Devens 01434, 978-772-3654
freedomsway.org
The association works to preserve, promote, and protect our cultural, historical, and natural resources and the ideas of American freedom, democracy, conservation, and social justice.
Indian Hill Music
36 King St., Littleton 01460, 978-486-9524
indianhillmusic.org
Indian Hill encompasses a professional symphony orchestra, a music school, and outreach and education programs providing opportunities for all ages to connect through music. Concerts, events, and programs are designed to make music accessible to all.
Museum of Russian Icons
203 Union St., Clinton 01510, 978-598-500
museumofrussianicons.org
Enhancing relations between Russia and the United States through art, the museum houses more than 1,000 Russian icons, artifacts, and paintings. It is the largest collection of its kind in North America.
Environment
Nashua River Watershed Association
592 Main St., Groton 01450, 978-448-0299
nashuariverwatershed.org
The Nashua River Watershed Association’s goals include restoring and protecting water quality for people, fish, and wildlife; conserving open spaces for water quality, wildlife habitat, farms, forests, and recreation; and encouraging careful land use with well-planned development.
Sudbury Valley Trustees
18 Wolbach Rd., Sudbury 01776, 978-443-5588
svtweb.org
Sudbury Valley Trustees works to protect natural areas and farmland in the 36 communities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers. Harvard recently partnered with the trustees on the purchase of Horse Meado
