Hurricane relief for Jamaica
Apple growers in Harvard rely on seasonal workers from Jamaica, which suffered catastrophic damage in late October from Hurricane Melissa. Anyone wishing to contribute to relief efforts may want to consider the following charities currently working in the region:
- Catholic Relief Services (crs.org/donate/hurricane-melissa)
- Mercy Corps (mercycorps.org/donate/hurricanemelissa-devastating-caribbean)
- World Central Kitchen (wck.org/en-us/relief/melissa-25).
- Carlson Orchards and Westward Orchards are also running GoFundMe campaigns to support workers from their farms.
Visit gofundme.com/f/support-carlsons-workers-after-hurricane-melissa (Carlson) or
gofundme.com/f/support-westward-orchards-team-after-hurricane-melissa (Westward).
‘Honor Our Veterans’ patches available
Officers of the Harvard Police Department will be wearing special “Honor Our Veterans” patches on their uniforms during November. A limited number of patches are available for $15 each. To buy a patch, come to the Public Safety Building and see Trish Rouvel, or phone 978-456-8276, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to Clear Path for Veterans New England.
Girl Scouts mitten tree
The Harvard Girl Scouts will collect donations of mittens, gloves, and hats until Dec. 13, on the mitten tree in the children’s room at the Harvard Public Library. Donations will go to clients of WHEAT Community Connections food pantry in Clinton.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 9 Cook Street (rear) in Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. For information on items accepted, packaging, and fees, visit DevensHHW.com.
Adaptive basketball teams forming
The Harvard Special Education Parents Advisory Council announces its adaptive basketball program, running Saturdays, Dec. 6 through Feb. 7, 5 to 6 p.m., in the elementary school gym. The program is volunteer-run and designed for children with special needs living in Harvard and Devens, in grades pre-K through 12. To register, volunteer, or find additional information email harvardsepac@gmail.com.
Library pop-up holiday sale
From now until the end of the year, the Friends of the Harvard Public Library will offer a selection of books, audio books, CDs, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles for sale in the Harvard Public Library’s lobby during regular library hours. Patrons will find low prices and will be supporting library programs.
In addition, the Harvard Historical Society will be selling Harvard maps, pictures, books, cards, and other items. Proceeds will support the ongoing work of the society and its public programming.
Loaves & Fishes food pantry
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, serves food to people in need who reside in Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. Pantry hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon; first Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; last Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information.
The pantry will be open additional hours, Wednesdays 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., only for federal workers affected by the recent government shutdown, regardless of place of residence. Bring a federal ID card. If the Wednesday time doesn’t work, federal employees can also stop by during regular pantry hours. Learn more at loavesfishespantry.org/federal-employees-welcome.
Food assistance resources
Project Bread’s FoodSource hotline is the food assistance line for all of Massachusetts. Whether you need help paying for food and don’t know where to start or are curious about ways to boost your food budget or save on groceries, the hotline can help. Call or text 800-645-8333, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Information regarding SNAP benefits is available at the website of the state Department of Transitional Assistance, mass.gov/info-details/november-2025-snap-updates.
Devens noise report
Throughout November, small arms fire.
