We are always in debt and deeply thankful to the people from the community who take the time to come in and help run the Day Center and work with our guests. Without them, we could not operate.

If you would like to consider volunterring, learn more here.

Here is a running blog showing lots of examples of our volunteers in action (click on any picture to see a larger view):

Kate Pinkham Departs

May 9, 2011: Kate Pinkham is graduating from the Andover Newton Theological School and moving on. We asked her to leave us with some parting words...

"My experience volunteering at the Community Day Center as a student attending Andover Newton Theological School was transformational. During the past several months I met and spoke with many of the guests who visit the Center regularly.  It was an honor to be part of the community and to listen to the stories of the men and women surviving in what seems like hopeless situations. I was humbled by the willingness of the guests to open their hearts, to tell me about their lives.

Marilyn Lee-Tom, Executive Director and Karen Coleman, Volunteer Coordinator inspire me, both dedicated staff members, who are committed to the care and well being of the guests. One day I heard Marilyn say, “There are no throw away people here.” This statement keeps playing over and over in my mind. I believe the staff at the Center acts on and is committed to this motto. Thank you for your willingness to allow me to be part of such an open and welcoming community."

Thank you for your kind words and for your help, Kate. You made a difference to the lives of many of our guests. We wish you trhe best of luck in your next mission. We'll miss you!

Kate sent us these pictures she took (click to enlarge):

Lasell College's Hope For Humanity Club

April 29, 2011: Lasell students Carrie, Jessica, Mariah and Justine were at the Center on April 29 and served hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and cookies to the guests and staff. All that was missing was a Sox game on TV!

Earth Day Celebration 2011

Apil 22, 2011: For Earth Day, volunteers and guests at the Community Day Center tye dyed T-shirts with organic dyes. We used red cabbage for red, blueberry for blue and spinach for green. Thank you, Lasell College!

April 18, 2011: We had visitors from the North Congregational Church in Middleboro, MA.  Their minister is the Rev. Dr. Patty Kogut.  Earnie Lamoonreaux did the potato salad and fruit salad.  Many, warm thanks to Chris (their youth minister), Ellen and Cleo and students George, Sean, Lucy, Cory, Rebecca, Erin, Lana, John, Sara, Danny, Chris, Tiffany, Nahthan, Isabel, Ivy and Tyler!

Nick Rosenbaum and Samantha Gomes are Lasell College Students who volunteer to work with our Spanish-speaking guests.

March 4, 2011: Students from Lasell College's "Service As Community Building (SVL202)" class visit and help with serving food to our guests. The class is taught by Any Greene, the assistant director of Lasell's Center for Community Based Learning. In this program, the students spend time with community based organizations to further their learning about local issues. 

February 8, 2011: The Waltham Boys and Girls Club made and delivered blankets to the CDCW guests. We always need items for keeping warm in this cold winter! Here are some photos (click to enlarge):