Massachusetts Federation of Republican Women - Winter 2006 Newsletter

Catch the Spirit of the "Caring For America" Projects

The Lower Cape Cod Club has an ongoing relationship with the Emerson House that started over twenty years ago. The House provides assistance and shelter for unwed mothers and their children. Throughout the year, the Lower Cape Cod Club donates much needed supplies — blankets, clothing, disposable diapers, etc. and, at Christmas, the club makes a special effort to provide gifts for residents of the Home. This Christmas, the Club donated gifts of clothing to the babies at the home. The theme was "An Infant Christmas" since there were seven babies currently due in December.

The Middlesex Club has a similar program with the House of Hope in Lowell, which is a shelter for battered women and their children. State funds provide paper goods and cash, with a special effort at Christmas. In February, Doris Karkota, Chariwoman of the Paperback Book Project for our service men and women, collected many books from our members which she has sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. She agreed to coordinate another drive on April 8 so, if you wish to participate, bring one or more paperback books to the meeting. For more information on the Paperback Book Project.

In each of the past two years, the Winchester Club has initiated a Christmas Drive. In 2004, the club packaged and sent over 1,000 Christmas boxes to the military serving in Iraq. In 2005, the Club held its Annual Christmas Tea, during which they presented a donation to the Angels of Mercy Group, an organization which provides assistance to military casualties during their convalescence and rehabilitation. Most of the soldiers receiving assistance are currently at Walter Reed Hospital.

The Worcester Club assembles "Mitten Trees" each year which are decorated with mittens, warm hats, gloves and other winter accessories. The "Trees" are then distributed to places in Worcester that help lower income families. This year, the Club also participated in the "Adopt a Child" Christmas program sponsored by You, Inv. This is a non-profit organization that sponsors children for the State. The Group provides assistance with things like sheets and towels. For the Christmas Program, each child fills out a card listing the three gifts they would like to receive for the holidays. The cards are then distributed to groups like the Worcester Club. They receive many thank-you pictures and notes.