Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Local church community hosts winter clothing drive for needy families By Tara Vocino C ommunity members pitched in to donate winter items for those in need at the First Congregational Church on Saturday morning. “I’m so grateful that the church and the community came together for the most vulnerable in town,” Deacon Terri Leander, the event organizer, said. They donated hundreds of new, handmade and like new/ laundered winter accessories, such as hats, gloves and scarfs, and toiletries, for Saugus families with younger people in need ages 0 to 21. William Sutton Masonic Lodge Worship Master Todd Galarneau, whose lodge members donated toiletries and winter gear, said times are tough. “There’s no better way than to lend materials and to lend a hand,” Galarneau said. Board of Selectmen Member Debra Panetta, who drycleaned her daughter Sabrina’s old clothes as donated items, said the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the world operates. “We’re always told to be together and that communication is key,” Panetta said. “However, being kind is most Pictured from left to right, holding up some donations, are William Sutton Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Todd Galarneau, Lodge Senior Warden Richard Miller, Second Lady Michelle Miller, Board of Selectmen Member Debra Panetta, First Congregational Church Outreach Committee Member Cassandra Roy, Outreach Committee Member Ann Kennedy (at bottom) and First Congregational Church Deacon Terri Leander. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) important right now.” Church member Ann KenPictured from left to right, displaying some donations, are William Sutton Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Todd Galarneau, Junior Warden Steven Burke, Senior Warden Richard Miller and Chaplain Mahmoud Diab during Saturday morning’s winter clothing drive at First Congregational Church. AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE CA$H FOR YOUR CAR! DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash For Your Car, Truck or SUV! 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 4X4 Crew Cab, Z71 Package, Just Serviced, Clean Title, Only 126K Miles, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME! $11,900 Easy Financing Available! EddiesAutotech.com 2010 MERCURY MILAN 4-Door, Auto., Most Power Options, Clean Title, New Tires, Only 130K Miles, Runs & Drives Great, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME! $3,995 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! Why not Saugus? Selectmen lobby Gov. Charlie Baker to locate a mass vaccine site for COVID-19 in town By Mark E. Vogler T he Commonwealth of Massachusetts currently has six mass vaccination sites across the state. Saugus selectmen say Gov. Charlie Baker should add a seventh – in Saugus. Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne Riley pitched the idea at Tuesday night’s (Feb. 23) Board of Selectmen meeting – and she drew unanimous support from her colleagues, who directed her to write a letter making the request to the Baker Administration. Riley said Saugus residents shouldn’t have to drive to a mass vaccine site at Fenway Park. “I would love to get something that’s closer to people who live in our town,” Riley said. There are currently six mass vaccination sites across the WHY NOT SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 13 Hundreds of winter items are available for Saugus families in need. William Sutton Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Todd Galarneau displays the many pairs of shoes donated by Lodge members. nedy, a breast cancer survivor, said it has changed her outlook on life. “I’m so thankful for all that I have, so I wanted to give back,” said Kennedy, who recalled that when donors came in the last two weeks it was almost like a normal day, even though everyone was masked. Leander said she sees so much potential with what they started Saturday but knows the end isn’t in sight. Church members are in discussion with the Masons about doing a back-to-school supply drive in the late summer and doing a “Giving Boutique” again and including the back-to-school supplies and fall/winter clothing, personal hygiene products, etc., making the items available to families in town. “By lifting up the least of these, all are lifted up,” Leander said. “[I will] get to know them, lead them to where they are wanted and loved, and cared for as Beloved Children of God.” For information, call 781233-3028 to arrange an appointment to pick up donations.
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