WESTFIELD–A city resident is trying to make the holidays of the homeless a little better this season by giving care packages to residents at the Samaritan Inn, and they need your help.
Lesley Lambert of Park Square Realty is gathering donations for the care packages, which are being assembled at Park Square Realty, 44 Elm St., Westfield, at 2 p.m., on Dec. 3. The packages still need several toiletries and can be donated between now and Dec. 3 at the storefront on Elm Street.
Lesley Lambert
Lambert said that she originally started the project after seeing homeless in need of items with a friend. She said that she is normally community-minded and wanted to find a way to help but wanted to do more than just give money.
That’s when she became inspired by her daughter.
“My daughter and her friends had a bake sale and donated the money to the homeless–they were 10 and 11 years old,” Lambert said. “And that’s when I realized if they can do it so can I.”
This is the second year the project has happened. Last year, Lambert and others combined to donate more than 50 bags to the Samaritan Inn, which is their goal once again.
A care package for homeless residents of Westfield
Lambert said that some of the items being sought include soap, shampoo, tissues, hand sanitizer, mouth wash, deodorant, tissues, hand warmers, gloves and other winter wear.
Lambert also said that those who wish to help assemble care packages can arrive at Park Square Realty on Dec. 3 to assist.
Lambert urged those who are donating to give items rather than gift cards or money, but those would be accepted to purchase items if need be. Also, food items will not be accepted at the event on Dec. 3, but rather can be donated directly to the Samaritan Inn at any point throughout the year.
Peter Gillis, executive director of the Samaritan Inn, said that he is grateful for the work Lambert and others have done but more can always be done.
“We can always use more coffee. Not instant, but regular ground coffee,” Gillis said. “Coffee’s what we go through all the time and that’s an item we cannot get at the food bank.”
Gillis said that the Samaritan Inn also has freezer space and room for canned goods, so those who want to donate food do not have to worry that it may spoil or go to waste.
For more information or to see if you can help, contact Lambert via phone call or text message at (413)575-3611, or stop by Park Square Realty Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with donations.
