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Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus AND a Christmas Giving Program this year!

We’ll be collecting gift bundles starting Dec. 3

More than 120 years ago, a touching and now famous editorial appeared in The New York Sun assuring young Virginia that there truly was a Santa Claus.

We are delighted today to announce an equally important message to all of our friends and neighbors on the South Shore: There IS a Christmas Giving Program this year!

With the help of generous donors and volunteers like you, we can again bring the joy of Christmas to hundreds of children and their families in shelters or temporary housing on the South Shore.

New location and new rules keep everyone safe

The Friends of the Homeless Christmas Giving Shoppe will be open from Dec. 3 to Dec. 23, 2020, from Noon to 6 pm, Mon.- Sat. Once again, our tireless volunteers will be at the Shoppe on those days to receive and send out hundreds of bundles of gifts purchased and wrapped by generous donors.

At the same time, to keep everyone safe in a COVID-19 world, we’ll be making big changes to our Christmas Giving program. For example:

  • We have a new mobile phone number for all calls and texts to the Shoppe: 781-901-2256. If you prefer to send us an email, our new address is fhsschristmasshoppe@gmail.com
  • We are moving the Shoppe location to the House of Prayer Lutheran Church at 916 Main Street (Rte. 228) in Hingham, Mass. (Our sincere thanks to Pastor Susan Henry for hosting us this year!)
  • The Shoppe’s official hours will be limited to Noon to 6 daily, to accommodate reduced staffing.
  • We’ll be observing strict protocols that limit the number of visitors to the Shoppe at one time and require the use of masks, gloves, and proper social distancing.
  • We are scheduling specific times for all who come to the Shoppe to volunteer, donate, or pick up gift bundles.

For those who have already signed up to help, including families, friends, neighborhoods, churches, businesses, schools, or community groups, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your willingness to share in the Giving Program again this year.

If you’d still like to donate or volunteer

Please call or text our dedicated cell phone number, 781-901-2256, for  more information. If you prefer to send a note, our new email address is fhsschristmasshoppe@gmail.com

We’re grateful to have the help of so many generous donors and volunteers again this year as we work together to bring the joy of the holiday season to families on the South Shore. We know it will brighten your holidays — and theirs!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Dorothy Newell and the Christmas Shoppe Team

 

Meet Tandah Etienne: Tireless Advocate for Homeless Families

Our new Program Director returns “home” to work on behalf of  homeless families

When Tandah Etienne arrived at Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore this summer as the new Program Director, it was a return to her roots. In fact, Tandah’s work as an advocate for homeless families began when she was a student at Eastern Nazarene College. Back then, she volunteered at Friends of the Homeless under the direction of then Executive Director Dorothy Newell.

Since then, Tandah has worked as an advocate for homeless families and individuals in a variety of settings including: Continue reading Meet Tandah Etienne: Tireless Advocate for Homeless Families

Promise Church shows how small donations bring big benefits for families leaving shelters

See how small donations bring big benefits

A photo from Promise Church offers proof that even small donations bring big benefits. The church collected Shaw’s stamps shoppers didn’t need and turned them into bakeware for shelter families moving into new homes. Continue reading Promise Church shows how small donations bring big benefits for families leaving shelters

Mar 4 Brothers in Harmony gig will raise funds for homeless families on South Shore

Looking for something to do on Sunday afternoon?

Join us at the C Note in Hull on Mar 4 from 3-6 pm. You’ll enjoy a lazy afternoon of of blues, R&B, and soul music performed by Brothers in Harmony as they raise funds for homeless families.

Brothers in Harmony brings together a remarkable collection of the region’s best blues and jazz musicians. The group includes Brian Templeton, Ed Scheer, Johnny Blue Horn, Mario Perrett, Bobby Gus, Larry Luddecke, and Steve Monahan. They jam together once a year to raise funds for charities focused on homelessness.

“We’re particularly delighted that these talented artists chose Friends of the Homeless as their charity. In addition, Continue reading Mar 4 Brothers in Harmony gig will raise funds for homeless families on South Shore

Christmas Concert to Benefit Home with Friends

5th Annual Highrock Christmas Concert to Benefit Home with Friends

On Friday, December 15th and Saturday, December 16th, Highrock Church in Quincy, Mass. will host its annual Christmas concert to benefit Home with Friends. This one-of-a-kind musical experience brings together a  talented group of singers and musicians. Through a mix of solo performances and choral harmonies, they bring energy, joy, and inspiration to the Christmas season.Christmas concert to benefit Home with Friends

 

“We are overjoyed to present our fifth annual concert to benefit Home with Friends and also share in the joyful news of the season, ” says Stephen Sharkey, Lead Pastor at Highrock Church. Sharkey has been the creative force behind the yearly concerts. “Through music, we can celebrate the story of Christmas together in a fresh and inspiring way,” he explains.

All proceeds from the concert will benefit Home with Friends, according to Sharkey. “We hope that the proceeds raised, as well as the event itself, will be a true blessing to all our friends, neighbors, and guests.”

Seats to this annual event sell out quickly, so get your tickets online now. You don’t want to miss this powerful evening of music and celebration of the Christmas season.

SHOWTIMES are Friday, December 15 @ 8 pm and Saturday, December 16 @ 6 pm

TICKETS are $15 for general admission; $10 for Seniors, Students and Children.

To learn more, go to the Highrock Church Quincy site.

Thank you for making the ENC concert a success!

 

A huge thank you to all who were part of the unforgettable Valentine’s Benefit concert in Hingham last month. This includes:

  • The Eastern Nazarene College A Capella Choir, guest alumni, and Chamber Singers with their uplifting voices and musical tribute to Dorothy Newell.
  • All the friends and families who attended the concert and reception.
  • South Shore Baptist Church in Hingham for hosting the event.
  • The Hingham Mother’s Club for baking dozens of yummy desserts for an appreciative crowd.
  • And the many kind and generous donors who helped us raise more than $5000 to support our programs for homeless families.

An evening to remember

It took the combined talents and energy of dozens of people to make this an evening to remember. We are grateful to all for your ongoing support.

Visit our Facebook page to enjoy a video of the concert and view the tribute to Dorothy.

For more about the singers, visit the ENC A Cappella Choir Facebook page.

To learn about all the ways you can volunteer to help families in transition, please visit the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore site.

 

 

Grab a Cup of “Coffee for a Cause” at Whole Foods Market Mar 4 & 5

Stop by Whole Foods Market in Hingham and South Weymouth, MA on Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5 and grab a “cuppa Joe” while you shop. Not only will it perk up your spirits, but for every Coffee for a Cause cup you buy, Whole Foods Markets will donate $5 to Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore. Continue reading Grab a Cup of “Coffee for a Cause” at Whole Foods Market Mar 4 & 5