Above: A Southborough teen is organizing a collection drive to help people in need and struggling with the cold this winter. (cropped from contributed photo)
Maybe it’s not the best day to pitch the need for blankets. Subzero temps are behind us. By this afternoon, you should be shaking off the cold and feeling pretty good.
But we’re a long way off from winter’s end. There are a lot of cold nights still ahead.
An Algonquin junior, Julia Howard, reached out to me about a collection drive she’s organizing. Two weeks ago, when serving meals at a local outreach program, she realized how badly some people were impacted by the weather. Many were talking about the cold. And she spoke to a man who would be sleeping in his car that night.
She decided to do something for people in the area struggling through this winter. You can help.
Blanket collection bins have been set up in Southborough and Marlborough. The donations (and any financial contributions) will go to a local non-profit:
Spread the Warmth. . . One blanket at a time
Please help us collect blankets for those in need of warmth this winter. We will be collecting these donations for Our Father’s Table. This non-profit organization provides meals three times a week for those in need.
You can drop off donations at the following spots through January 30th (please note hours):
- Southborough Library, 25 Main St, (Children’s Room lobby; Mon, Fri, Sat: 10 am – 5 pm; Tues, Wed, Thurs: 10 am – 9 pm; closed January 15th)
- St Anne’s Church, 20 Boston Rd, (inside the church by the front doors)
- Marlborough Fire Station Lobby, 215 Maple St, Marlborough (Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4 pm)
Or, you can bring a blanket (or check) with you a special fundraising event. Howard will be holding a concert under her stage name.
“Julia James” will perform on Friday, January 19th from 9:00 pm – midnight at Brook Kitchen & Tap, 41 Main St, Maynard. 
The “Music Can Warm Hearts” concert will take collections for the charity.
Finally, if you prefer to mail a donation, you can make out your checks to Our Father’s Table at PO Box 916, Marlborough, MA 01752.
Updated (1/11/18 3:23 pm): I added in Julia Howard’s real name. (I held back initially, until I got confirmation that it was OK to share.)
