All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to disaster relief, providing immediate and long-term support to communities affected by natural disasters. By mobilizing volunteers and resources, they work to rebuild schools, homes, and infrastructure, ensuring communities recover stronger and more resilient. Their mission focuses on efficiently addressing the needs of disaster-stricken areas while fostering hope and empowerment for those impacted. To learn more about all they do, visit www.allhandsandhearts.org.
Pan-Mass Challenge
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a charitable bike-a-thon that raises funds for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As the largest single athletic fundraising event in the world, the PMC draws cyclists of all abilities to ride across the state of Massachusetts in support of Dana-Farber on the first weekend of every August. Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised over $1 billion for cancer research, with 100% of every rider-raised dollar going directly to Dana-Farber. The PMC community is known for its strong sense of camaraderie and commitment to advancing cancer care, with every mile pedaled bringing us Closer By the Mile to a world without cancer. For more information on their impact and ways to give, visit www.pmc.org.
American Rivers
American Rivers is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting and restoring America’s rivers and waterways. They work to safeguard clean water, protect aquatic ecosystems, and advocate for policies that support healthy rivers. American Rivers also engages in community-driven efforts to remove dams, promote sustainable water management, and raise awareness about the vital importance of rivers for people, wildlife, and the environment. Through advocacy, restoration projects, and education, they aim to ensure rivers remain accessible, clean, and resilient for future generations. Find out more about their impact at www.americanrivers.org.
First Descents
First Descents is a recognized leader in outdoor experiential programming. Through outdoor adventures, skills development, and local adventure communities, First Descents improves the long-term survivorship of young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Their participants experience free outdoor adventure programs that empower them to climb, paddle, and surf beyond their diagnosis, reclaim their lives, and connect with others doing the same. Their programs are open to any young adult diagnosed with cancer or MS between the age of 15-39, and currently between the age of 18-45. For more information on their mission and impact, visit www.firstdescents.org.
Pets & People Foundation
Pets and People Foundation offers pet-assisted therapy visits to people who could use some healing joy in their days. Their carefully tested and certified therapy teams can be found at nursing homes, assisted living homes, special needs facilities, schools, libraries and hospitals and many other places. Learn more about their story and mission at www.petsandpeoplefoundation.org.
Charles River Watershed Association
Charles River Watershed Association works to protect, restore, and enhance the Charles River and its watershed using science, advocacy, and the law by developing science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we face a changing climate, together. Find out more about their work at www.crwa.org.
Circle of Hope
Circle of Hope provides clothing, toiletries, and necessities to 22 homeless shelters and clinics in Boston and MetroWest. They are the sole provider of clothing and toiletries for many of these organizations. Their partners include family shelters, individual shelters, domestic violence shelters, healthcare clinics, and programs that serve the homeless. Last year, COH served more than 6,600 homeless children and adults, providing the essential items they need to stay healthy and warm. Through the Welcome Baby Program, Circle of Hope gives brand new diaper bags packed with essential baby items to mothers living with their newborns in the shelters they serve and through the Dignity Project, Circle of Hope gives “Dignity Bags” full of toiletries, brand new socks and underwear to hundreds of homeless individuals every year. To learn more about all they do, visit www.circleofhopeonline.org.
Catie’s Closet
Since 2010, Catie’s Closet has reduced absenteeism, urged kids back into their schools and off the streets and increased graduation rates. Schools equipped with a Catie’s Closet give students living in poverty the ability to discreetly pick and choose the clothing and basic necessities they need and are proud to wear. Lack of access to basic necessities is one of the top reasons for absenteeism. By meeting students’ needs, Catie’s Closet boosts self-esteem and motivates students to attend school and focus on their education. Although clothing is their pillar, Catie’s Closet also provides additional items that students need to be successful. This includes new toiletries, shoes, backpacks, undergarments and even bus passes and grocery cards. For more information, visit www.catiescloset.org.
Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons is a Boston-based nonprofit that provides essential items to children living in homeless or low-income situations so that they can thrive both at home and at school. The organization helps kids from birth through age 12 in Massachusetts, as well as in areas around Chicago and Philadelphia. To learn more about their mission, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org.
Christmas in the City
Christmas in the City is a non profit organization run by volunteers that strives to lessen the impact of homelessness on families and children living in shelters. Each year, thousands of volunteers are on hand to put together an annual Christmas Party Extravaganza for thousands of children and families living in homeless shelters. Find out more about their impact at www.christmasinthecity.org.