For the second year in a row, items donated to the annual MCB gift drive went to Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter in downtown Boston. This year’s drive, organized by MCB Administrative Coordinator Kelsey Cox, collected 335 items, including winter clothes and toiletries for the women at the shelter.
In addition, proceeds from the department’s Harvest Bake Sale also went toward purchasing gift cards for the women at Rosie’s Place. Undergraduate Curriculum Coordinator John Kropowensky assisted Cox in organizing the bake sale. In total, the bake sale raised $1250.
MCB’s donation to Rosie’s Place included fifty $25 gift cards, 9 blankets, 23 pairs of gloves, 17 scarves, 35 pairs of socks and slippers, 19 hats, 26 other clothing items, 60 bath and body items, and 36 books, as well as 60 rolls of wrapping paper and ribbon that will be used to wrap gifts for the women at Rosie’s Place.
“We are grateful that among so many worthy causes, you have chosen to support the work of Rosie’s Place in such a thoughtful and meaningful way,” Rosie’s Place president and executive director Leemarie Mosca wrote in a thank-you letter to the MCB community. “Because of your generosity, we are able to help women and their families throughout our programs have a memorable and joyous holiday season.”
“Every day, women who are barely getting by come through our doors,” Mosca added. “They may be facing homelessness, utility bills they cannot pay, or the loss of a job. Because of you, an ever increasing number of women know they can turn to Rosie’s Place for shelter, services, and understanding.”
Founded in 1974, Rosie’s Place is the oldest women’s shelter in the United States. Each year 12,000 women use the services provided by Rosie’s Place include one-on-one support, help for women seeking jobs and housing, food pantry, and free ESOL classes.
The MCB team would like to thank everyone who contributed to the gift drive or bought goods at the bake sale. Particular acknowledgements go to the gift drive’s top donors—Jessica Manning, Chuck Bilikas, and Raymond & Donna Erikson— and the local businesses collaborated on the bake sale, including Joie de Vivre, Roslindale Farmer’s Market, Q’s Nuts, Bauman’s Best Botanicals, and Dean Stevens Coffee. MCB would also like to thank”all-star baker” Keiko Weir.
Happy holidays!
