ROCHESTER – People began lining up an hour before the 11:30 start of a what was billed as a "huge, free, shopping day" for Seacoast residents in need.
Organizations, local businesses, city employees and other volunteers were on hand to help area houseless residents with a special day of caring event Saturday, held in the parking lot behind the Rochester Community Center.
The event included 100 lunches from Mitchell Hill BBQ, free professional haircuts, 150 filled back-to-school backpacks, 40 child and adult bicycles, and helmets, toys and games, warm clothing, sleeping bags and a food pantry that included fresh produce, bread, canned goods and other staples.
Kodie Adams, 12, of Rochester got a bicycle.
"We have been looking for a bicycle for him," said Tina Adams, Kodie’s mom. "They are just so expensive."
"Right now, we really need to come together around these people because it’s the right thing for them," said Stacy Bergeron, founder of Boxes of Love for the Homeless, the Candia-based entity organizing Saturday’s event. "We are in the midst of a pandemic, but the need is always here. This is the first such event we held in Rochester and we have committed to a year of assistance. We hope to create systemic change. Everyone here, including myself is a volunteer. No one draws a paycheck for Boxes of Love for the Homeless."
Bergeron said houselessness, food insecurity and other issues were on the rise on the Seacoast, and in Rochester specifically, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Anyone who has a need is welcome here," Bergeron said. "We do not discriminate in any way. We hold these popup events across the state and we will keep doing so. We have people who woke up this morning in a tent, yet they came here today to volunteer."
Diane G. is one of the homeless who came to volunteer. "I was married for 25 years, and was well taken care of, until I wasn’t," she said. "I couldn’t function, and I ran into legal problems and ended up with a ‘bracelet.’ I owe the state money now and I can pay it off by volunteering at nonprofit events. It’s not the only reason I do it, though. It makes me feel good, makes me feel useful and I like that I am helping other people."
Bergeron said turning a blind eye will only increase the overall danger the community faces during the pandemic due to the fact houseless populations have limited access to personal protective equipment and sanitization facilities.
Boxes of Love for the Homeless is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit organization The organization heightened its focus on Rochester recently due to the degree of need within the city and the surrounding areas. Bergeron said they have committed to giving Rochester area residents a year of their time to help get people back on their feet.
Attendees received much from the Rochester SHARE Fund’s food pantry and thrift store, as well vouchers for future use at the pantry and store.
Area musicians Yamica Peterson-Cain, Kemar McCarthy and Garth Streete performed during Saturday’s event.
"I can see how blessed we are to have an event like this," said Streete, who came here from Jamaica. "Our hearts are so full just being here that we will do it whenever they ask."
Face masks were required for Saturday’s event, as was compliance with social distancing recommendations.
Other entities and individuals contributing to the event included Cross Point Church, Rochester Police Department Community Engagement Officer Kyle Danie, Rochester Public Works Department, and numerous community members who donated food and other items.
The hope, Bergeron said, is the event will help connect attendees with resources, as well as help strengthen connections between all of the different groups working locally to provide resources.
More information about Boxes of Love for the Homeless, Saturday’s event and the other events and resources the nonprofit is working on can be found at boxesofloveforthehomeless.com and on its Facebook page.
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September 20, 2020 at 03:57AM
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A special day of caring in Rochester - Foster's Daily Democrat
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