Letter to the Editor: Thanks for Holiday Clothing Drive

I would like to send out a big “Thank You” to all the people that helped the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club in our reprised Annual Holiday Clothing Drive.

This first year after a short break we were able to collect over $1,000 so that we could purchase the small items that can be easily forgotten: socks, underwear, hats, mittens and personal care items. We also collected a huge amount of clothing, where, through the generosity of Lloyd and Roberta Gainsboro and the Dedham Health and Athletic Complex staff, we were able to set up a collection point in their lobby. The very generous patrons of Dedham Health responded with so many articles of clothing that we filled the truck!

Along with , I want to acknowledge and thank the donors of the money that helped us buy the forgotten items: , and . Also our own club donated to the cause. These wonderful institutions have always responded positively when we have asked for help. I also thank Bill Flemming for his donation; he has never failed to write a check.

The recipient of all of this good will is the Long Island Shelter in Boston. The good people of the shelter have been providing shelter, food, clothing and comfort to the homeless for thirty years. Through bad breaks and disabilities these people arrive desperate and alone. Your donations helped provide a few extras to a part of our population that really appreciates what they have been given. They will never know who gave them these gifts, but you will, and we do, and that, after all, is the beauty of giving.

Thanks again for your generosity. May you all have a happy and healthy 2012! 

Jack Hoell

Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club