Hundreds of Pounds in Donations Collected on Make a Difference Day

Last month, Braintree's seventh annual Make a Difference Day event at Town Hall collected hundreds of pounds of food, bags of clothing and boxes of household goods for local non-profits.

The event was sponsored by the Town of Braintree and Sustainable Braintree, and is part of a national day of helping others created by USA WEEKEND Magazine. It takes place the fourth Saturday of October every year.

"A huge thank you to all those who helped make the day a wonderful success," coordinator Janice Weitbrecht said in a statement. "Thanks to our participating 
nonprofits and the many volunteers including St. Clare's Middle School Youth Group, the Braintree High Interact Club and countless individuals.

"Thanks to Liberty Bay Credit Union who sponsored the pumpkins that were 
distributed to every person who made a donation and most importantly thanks to the many residents who brought donations and made this day such a success.

"Braintree residents have risen to meet the growing need for assistance 
and collections surpassed our expectations. We are proud to say that we have benefitted thousands of people in our community and many animals."

Below is the organizer "best estimate" of collections on Oct. 26:

• The Marge Crispin Center collected approximately 500 pounds of canned goods, paper goods, toiletries, detergent, dry goods and household items. 

• The Kids Clothes Closet collected approximately 50 big bags of children’s clothing, three bags of usable shoes and several boxes of children’s books that are being distributed to clients along with the clothes. 

• Interfaith Social Services collected more than 200 bags/boxes of adult clothing and household goods. In fact they filled around half a box truck which was generously arranged by Gallo Moving & Storage. 

• Cradles to Crayons filled a storage unit with approximately 20 bags of children’s clothing, 15 car seats, 50+ bags of toys, 20+ pieces of baby equipment and 30+ boxes of children’s books. 

• The New England Wildlife Center collected a dozen aquariums (many with accessories), several small animal set ups (including cages, exercise toys, water bottles and bedding), three dog crates, food dishes, animal toys and more. 

• The Friends of Thayer Public Library collected 27 boxes of books and 3 boxes of CDs and DVDs. These items will be re-sold at the Friends book sale on the lower level of the library and will ultimately support programs for the whole community. 

• Birthday Wishes collected 10 pounds of paper party goods, several packages of juice boxes and 6 pounds of candy. These items will put smiles on the faces of approximately 160 children. 

• 513 Box Tops for Education and 282 Campbell’s points were given to Braintree Public Schools. 

• Other collections included 25 lbs. cell phones and chargers, 25 lbs. of eyeglasses and cases, 35 lbs. of soda can tabs, 2 lbs. of old keys, 11 lbs. of wine corks and 275 lbs. of old sneakers for recycling.

For more information about Make A Difference Day visit www.usaweekend.com/diffday. For more information on how you can become part of Braintree’s 2014 event contact Janice Weitbrecht at 781-356 -3748.