Dear Neighbors,

We hope winter is feeling cozy and kind so far. For many, the cold and darker months can be a challenge, so we have some activities and community support opportunities to keep you engaged. First, Winthrop Working Together is partnering with Mothers Out Front, Winthrop Parents Network, and The Winthrop Commission on Disabilities to host a potluck gathering to share successes of 2025 and goals for 2026. Community groups of all kinds are welcome, as are all community members. This will give folks a chance to connect in person, find overlapping interests, and new ways to participate in town. We look forward to seeing you Saturday, January 3rd from 2-4pm in the Lyceum room at the EB Newton building (45 Pauline street; accessible entrance located on the opposite end of the building, nearest the Arthur Cummings School). If you want to bring something to share you can sign up here, or you can decide to bring something the day of, or just show up to talk, learn, and help us eat. Please let others know about this event too! You can let us know you are coming on Facebook

A holiday ask for community support from Stephen Ruggiero that Winthrop Working Together seconds:

Dear Friends,
As we head into the holiday season, I’m reaching out to ask for your support of an organization that means a great deal to me: CASA (www.winthropcasa.org).

CASA is a nonprofit that provides 100% free programming for Middle and High Schoolers in Winthrop; many of whom are underserved and experiencing food insecurity. For these local kids, CASA provides a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, grow, socialize, and feel supported, without the barrier of cost. 

Covering program costs is a common challenge for non profits every year, and this has been an especially difficult one for CASA. Due to both National and Winthrop's own political priorities, federal and state grants that CASA has relied on, or have had access to in the past are no longer accessible, while operating costs continue to rise. 

There are many expenses in just opening the doors of CASA. CASA pays the Town of Winthrop $15,000 annually in rent at the E.B. Newton. In addition, there are non-negotiable basic expenses such as drinking water for participants and staff because the water in the building is not potable and personal care items for participants who may not have access at home. 

Despite these challenges, CASA remains committed to keeping its doors open and its programs free for everyone who needs them. 

If you’re able, I hope you’ll consider making a holiday donation of any size. Truly, no amount is too small - $5 would buy a bottle of water and a snack for a child after school, $10 would cover the cost of a Nick's pizza during their Monday pizza special, and $25 would help purchase supplies for CASA's Community Service Club. 

 Every dollar helps cover essential costs and ensures these kids continue to have access to a welcoming and secure environment.

 Donate here: https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Community-Against-Substance-Abuseinc

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you’re able to give. Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, peaceful holiday season

You may have noticed that the cookie packing and delivering event did not happen around Thanksgiving...

Well, it was rescheduled to the first weekend in February. So if you want to get out of the house and help out, or spend hours making cookies cozy at home, but then not have to eat all the cookies...Love and Cookies is looking for you! Survivors by the Sea is organizing this amazing way to bring comfort and smiles. We strongly encourage you to consider participating. It feels so good to make someone's day and who doesn't love cookies!?

We appreciate you reading, participating, and being a part of the community.

Here's to a restorative and impactful end to 2025 and a fresh start in 2026. We hope to see you around town. Wishing you a happy holiday season,

Winthrop Working Together