In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Wednesday, December 23 – Quinsigamond Community College practical nursing students help administer the first round of COVID-19 vaccines, Salvation Army seeks help to meet lagging fundraising totals, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation announces grant awards, Fallon Health awards $100,000 in grants, and get $5 off $15 of Dunkin’ from DoorDash from now through Saturday, December 26.
QCC Nursing Students Help Administer First Round of COVID-19 Vaccines
Quinsigamond Community College practical nursing students, along with their instructors Margaret “Meg” Yoder, professor of Nurse Education, and faculty member Christian Ilustre, helped administer approximately 100 COVID-19 vaccines to Harrington Hospital employees at the Southbridge Armory.
The QCC students not only administered the vaccine, they performed intake assessments, gave educational information, and observed vaccine recipients post vaccination.
According to QCC, this type of hands-on training enables students to stay current with workforce needs and makes them valuable employees when they enter the workforce because they require less training.
Salvation Army Seeks to Boost Lagging Fundraising
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Red Kettle Campaign, in its 130th year, has raised less than half of its $2.5 million goal this season.
The Salvation Army in Worcester’s holiday distribution is currently underway. More than 1800 gifts will be distributed to Central Massachusetts families in in need of assistance. Recipients were required to pre-register in advance. Slots for assistances filled up quickly this year, as the needs are higher than ever.
With heightened needs and funds limited to as much as 50% this year, there are many ways to contribute to The Salvation Army:
- Visit RescueChristmas.org to turn your passion into action.
- Sign up to give a sustaining monthly gift of $25 to help The Salvation Army year-round. A $25 monthly donation over one year provides:
- 240 meals to those most vulnerable
- 11 nights of shelter for those living on the streets
- 12 years of Christmas presents for one child
- Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any of our iconic Red Kettles around the country.
- Use Amazon Alexa by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” then specifying the amount.
- Give any amount by texting “RESCUECHRISTMAS” to 41444.
- Encourage friends and family to give virtually through options like peer-to-peer fundraising at salvationarmyma.org/rescuechristmas.
- Send a check to your local Salvation Army Worcester Corps at 640 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Grants
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Youth for Community Improvement program focused its grant awards this year on COVID-19 relief as well as access and equity across the greater Worcester community.
The fifteen organizations funded this year are:
African Community Education’s ACE Ambassadors: $1,500
Youth development program focused on leadership and advocacy
Ansaar of Worcester’s Youth-Led Community Service Projects: $1,500
Series of community engagement activities led by students and informed by community needs assessments
Ascentria Community Services’ Racism Dialogues for Youth Advisory Council: $1,000
Youth-led program on racial justice for unaccompanied refugee minors
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest’s Technology Access for Students: $2,000
Purchase laptops and headphones for students
City of Worcester Department of Health & Human Services’ City Manager’s Youth Council: $2,000
Youth-led program to support peers
Girls, Inc. of Worcester’s Girls Advisory Council: $1,500
Funds to hire a racial justice consultant
Hope Coalition’s Peer Leadership $2,000
Social media campaign and virtual meetings to support youth mental health
Living in Freedom Together, Inc.’s Youth Outreach & Advocacy Services: $2,000
Mentoring and crisis support for young people
My Turn, Inc.’s Fitchburg Employment Plus $1,000
Funds to purchase food, PPE, and technology support for participants
Nativity School of Worcester: $1,500
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism workshops to support staff and students on the issues of racial justice
Pernet Family Health Service, Inc.’s Homework Club: $1,500
A virtual academic and mental health support system for young people
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center’s Pleasant-Piedmont Youth Leadership Council: $2,000
Youth-driven virtual activity programs
Regional Environmental Council, Inc.’s YouthGROW: $2,000
YouthGROW, or Youth Growing Organics in Worcester, supports youth farming jobs
Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts’ COVID-19 Relief: $3,000
Support for youth to deliver PPE, groceries, and meals to community members
Worcester Youth Center’s Civic Partnership $2,000
Support for a new, youth-led civic engagement program
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Central Massachusetts residents by connecting donors to high-impact nonprofit organizations and community partners.
Fallon Health Awards $100,000 in Grants for COVID-19 Recovery
Fallon Health named 10 community-based organizations across Berkshire, Middlesex and Worcester Counties who have been awarded $100,000 worth of grants.
The organizations and projects funded include:
- Lovin’ Spoonful’s Inc. – Middlesex County Food Rescue Program
- Roots Rising – Virtual Farmers Market
- Community Harvest Project – Healthy Hunger Relief to Minimize COVID-19 Community Impact
- Pernet Family Health Services – Meeting the Most Basic Needs of Worcester’s At-Risk Families
- Regional Environmental Council – Growing Community Food Security through Worcester Urban Farming
- Spanish American Center – Reaching Out to Elders in the Age of COVID
- Genesis Club House, Inc. – Mental Health Support for Seniors
- United Way of Tri-County WHEAT Community Connections – WHEAT Community Connections- Senior Meal Delivery
- Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance – Elder Home Repair Program
- Saint Paul’s Elder Outreach – Saint Paul’s Elder Outreach
Get $5 off of $15 from Dunkin’ and DoorDash through Saturday
From now through Saturday, December 26th, Dunkin’ fans can get $5 off their orders of $15 or more through DoorDash.
Here are the five steps to get your discount:
- Open the DoorDash app or visit DoorDash.com.
- Input your delivery address, search for Dunkin’, and choose your nearest Dunkin’ location.
- Select at least $15 worth of your favorite food and drinks and customize them just the way you like.
- Notice the $5 discount apply, then checkout.
- Wait for your delicious order to be delivered by a Dasher, who can leave the items at your door for a no-contact delivery experience.
