When people are asked to describe what they picture when they hear homeless person, it’s not uncommon for responses to include descriptors such as male, dirty, disheveled, addict/drunk. But that is just one snapshot of many. There are also homeless women, children, teenagers, and families.(Reina Rago (right), Vice President of the Westborough Rotary Club, presents Donna Maria Cameron of Abby's House, (left) fleece blankets for the residents at this women's and children's shelter.)
Concerned about homelessness in Massachusetts, especially with New England’s brutal winter coming, members of the Westborough Rotary Club decided to make fleece blankets for the residents of Abby’s House. Established in 1976, Abby’s House, provides shelter and affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to homeless, battered, and low-income women, with or without children.
“We decided to incorporate a service project as part of our holiday gathering,” stated President Sandy Kearney. “Our members had fun chatting as they tied two pieces of fleece together into cozy, warm blankets.”
After completing the blankets for each of the residents at Abby’s House, the Club invited Donna Maria Cameron, to talk to the members about homelessness and to dispel myths. “Over half of our residents work,” Cameron stressed. “These are women who want a better life for themselves and their children. We provide them with hope and the support they deserve to make a change. Receiving these homemade blankets is a beautiful symbol of hope.”
“We decided to incorporate a service project as part of our holiday gathering,” stated President Sandy Kearney. “Our members had fun chatting as they tied two pieces of fleece together into cozy, warm blankets.”
After completing the blankets for each of the residents at Abby’s House, the Club invited Donna Maria Cameron, to talk to the members about homelessness and to dispel myths. “Over half of our residents work,” Cameron stressed. “These are women who want a better life for themselves and their children. We provide them with hope and the support they deserve to make a change. Receiving these homemade blankets is a beautiful symbol of hope.”