When Rachel and her family needed help, Lend a Hand was there

The Patriot Ledger
·2 min read

Editor's note: The following is a profile submitted by Quincy Community Action Programs Inc. on behalf of one of its clients who has been helped by The Patriot Ledger's Lend a Hand campaign. The person's name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Rachel was living in a two-bedroom condo in Braintree last year with her husband and five children. No child care was available, so she was home with the kids, who ranged in age from 1 to 13.

It was a struggle to make ends meet. Her husband worked part time at a gas station and was trying to learn English so he could find a full-time job. Money was scarce.

Rachel (not her real name) and her husband couldn't afford baby furniture when their youngest child was born. They didn't have a crib, a playpen or a high chair for her.

Then Lend a Hand stepped in.

Thanks to generous donors from around the South Shore, Lend a Hand was able to provide the furniture for the family through Quincy Community Action Programs' Head Start services.

That was a game changer for the family, which could now enjoy mealtimes together and sleepcomfortably.Rachel said she is grateful to Lend a Hand for helping her family.

But more people need help this year, and they're counting on Lend a Hand donors to help them.

Who does Lend a Hand help?

Donations to Lend a Hand help fund the social services programs and resources for its three partner organizations: the South Shore Community Action Council, Quincy Community Action Programs Inc. and Aspire Health Alliance. Lend a Hand only takes monetary donations, which go to the agencies. We invite you to open your heart and wallet to help your South Shore neighbors.

About Lend a Hand

Lend a Hand, The Patriot Ledger's annual holiday charitable program, began in 1998 and has raised more than $3.3 million for South Shore families and people in need.

How to donate to Lend a Hand

Donating is easy. In the print edition of The Patriot Ledger, look for a coupon to cut out and send with your check or money order. It’s amazing how many people take the time to clip the coupon, fill it out and take it to the post office. It’s very inspiring and the reason why we continue.

There are three ways to give:

  • First, there’s the coupon in the newspaper. Please note the new address (3 Webster Square PMB #467 Marshfield, MA 02050) to send donations to as well as the other instructions on the coupon.

  • You can donate securely online through PayPal. All credit cards are accepted, and you don’t need a PayPal account. Search: Ledger Lend a Hand Foundation.

  • Call our friends at Ansaphone at 617-424-9825 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

If you have questions about The Patriot Ledger's Lend a Hand campaign, email newsroom@patriotledger.com and put "Lend a Hand 2023" in the subject line.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Braintree family needed baby furniture. Lend a Hand donors stepped up