Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Bootstraps Supporter,

Another holiday season is coming to a close. The shopping, wrapping, eating, drinking and over-indulging will soon give way to New Year’s resolutions. One thing is clear about the holidays – we all work to reconnect and value our relationships. The human connections are especially important during this season of giving and receiving.

I am especially lucky, for I see the caring human spirit alive and well at Beverly Bootstraps Community Services all year long from people of every faith. There is Joshua, who brings us cereal every week; John, who picks up food donations at the grocery stores; the Girl Scout troops who bring beautiful fruit baskets every Thanksgiving; the churches’ donations; Katy, who knitted hats, scarves and mittens; the corporate groups who come and paint and clean; the school groups who run food drives or work at Boots, Straps and More; the Temple’s Mitzvah giving projects; and the countless volunteers who support our work in so many ways.

And the recipients of this giving spirit are so grateful: Sally was so overwhelmed, she cried when she received a bag of gifts for her children; Bob and Mary were so grateful to be able to purchase their medicine and eat; Rachel and her children were thankful for the ability to do their laundry; Emilio and his children stayed warm; and Diana and Rick and their two children were able to stay in their apartment.

In 2010, we served over 2200 households through our food pantry and community services programs. In November alone, over 2100 items of food were distributed to people in need. We provided 634 backpacks to children before they headed back to school. Over 550 children had holiday gifts this year thanks to our donors. We had 93 students enrolled in English as a Second Language classes and 29 enrolled in GED preparation classes with 27 on a waitlist (15 passed the test once ready to do so). Twenty-nine youth participated in our after-school programs with three on the waitlist. Thirty-three children attended summer camp and over 6,000 summer park lunches helped feed hungry children. Twenty-seven adults completed computer and workforce skills training classes. And 63 families were kept warm in the 2009-2010 heating season.

Beverly Bootstraps Community Services is where community happens. This organization represents the best of our human relationships. It is a place where the spirit is real and tangible. Thank you to all of our donors, thank you to all of our volunteers. We wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Sue Gabriel

Executive Director