Highlight of my week – sledding at Danehy!
All,
I noticed some campaign emails and fundraising requests so I thought I would send out a last request in my final newsletter of this year: In lieu of any support you might give my campaign, please give anything you are able to one of the incredible local organizations who have ramped up their work during the pandemic to provide support to our community during a dark time. My work is important and I appreciate support, yet at this time please consider others.
A few organizations I support and urge you to consider: Y2Y Harvard Square, East End House, Margaret Fuller House, and Volunteer Clearinghouse. Also, four incredibly effective organizations providing wonderful support to our students: Breakthrough Greater Boston, Cambridge School Volunteers, CitySprouts, and Young People’s Project. I believe they have had success despite daunting odds at addressing ongoing achievement and opportunity gaps – not that we’ve made as much progress as we should have, but definitely more than we would have without their work. Please consider giving or signing up to volunteer with them. Finally, please check out Cambridge Local First’s holiday shopping guide and the Cambridge Arts Creative Marketplace online. Buy your holiday gifts local!
I hope you take time this week to reflect and relax. It has been a trying year for all of us and the weight of the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis in this country. No one is immune to the effects that such a traumatizing year can have. If you are feeling down during this holiday season, ask for help. One reason I keep pushing for the city to declare a public health emergency and open up our schools so that every student who wants to can have some in-person learning is the growing pandemic of mental health issues among young people. Samaritans provide help and guidance and support for those contemplating suicide when the pain of life is too much. Don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends how they are doing – and acknowledge that most of us are struggling in some way even as we approach the new year with some hope.
With caring and hope,
Patty
P.S., For fun this week: enjoy the turkeys of Cambridge [picture below is from my driveway this morning], sled at Danehy [assuming there is still snow], and eat some chocolate [remnants of some my family consumed].
