Arlington's Favorite Charities: Pine Street Inn, Others

ARLINGTON, MA — In a typical year, the holiday season is the time when many nonprofit organizations have to turn away volunteers.

But 2020 is not a typical year, and the coronavirus pandemic has left many local charities with fewer donations and volunteers. Earlier this week, Fidelity Charitable released a study showing that two-in-three volunteers had decreased or stopped contributing time to nonprofit organizations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

Patch asked our neighbors what your favorite charities are, as part of an effort to increase awareness of the nonprofits.

Responses are coming in from Arlington — and we'd welcome more. Here's the first roundup:

Just-A-Start Corporation, Cambridge

An anonymous Arlington resident recommended this organization:

"Just-A-Start's mission is to promote equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. They make a difference every day in the lives of low-income residents in Cambridge and surrounding communities. During this challenging year in particular, they are ensuring their residents, students, and program participants have the resources they need to stay in their homes and keep food on their tables."

Learn more about the Just-A-Start Corporation.

Pine Street Inn, Metro Boston

This organization is the largest homeless services providers in New England. Says Arlington neighbor Matilda:

"The act of giving makes me happy. Knowing that I was there with them."

Learn more about the Pine Street Inn.

Arlington EATS, Arlington

Arlington EATS works to eliminate hunger in Arlington. The organization serves about 1,800 residents annually, making it one of the largest social service providers in town. It works to ensure students have healthy, nutritious food on the weekends and over summer, February and April vacations.

Learn more about Arlington EATS.

We're still collecting responses and publishing lists of readers' favorite local charities throughout the holiday season.

If you have a favorite local charity, fill out the form below, so we can let our readers know about the work it does, as well as its current goals and needs: