Share the Plate March
Our Share the Plate organization for March is Special Teams for Exceptional People.
Special Teams for Exceptional People, (STEP, Inc) exists to facilitate social, recreational and sporting activities and events for children and adults with disabilities in order to instill in them confidence and self-esteem. These events and activities are inclusive to their siblings and families and are intended to teach everyone that there are no boundaries on what those with disabilities can do or achieve. Our organization serves individuals and their families from the private sector as well as those in group homes, private schools and special treatment facilities. No one is refused because of race, religion, sex, culture, nationality, ethnic origin or financial ability.
Volunteers in STEP, Inc range from coaching to fundraisers to social events such as dances. STEP, Inc. believes that all persons, regardless of their disability, have the right to enjoy the same full range of sporting and socialization opportunities which others in their community enjoy. Our parent coaches provide guidance and support to each person who desires to “STEP” into a more fulfilling life.
STEP, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization
IF you will be watching the service from home on March 24th, you can donate on the STEP, Inc site:
https://www.stepinc.us/home.html and click the Donate button
Share the Plate February
Newhouse Wildlife Rescue is a rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned wildlife right here in Chelmsford. Their wildlife rescue facility provides rehabilitation services to orphaned and injured wildlife. These animals are given more than just a place to rest and recover. They have regular visits from a veterinarian, custom built cages to suit their individual needs, high quality meals and special training to give them the skills they will need in their transition back into the wild.Â
Newhouse Wildlife Rescue takes pride in being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves and is dedicated to educating the public about the wildlife around them. The animals they release are treated for any parasites and vaccinated, not only for their well being but for the well being .of any humans they may encounter along their travels.
Newhouse Wildlife Rescue is not funded by the state and does not charge for their services. They rely on donations from the community to continue their mission to save our local wildlife. Form more information about Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, visit their website at https://newhousewildliferescue.org/home
If you will be in the service on February 25th and wish to write a check, please make it out to Newhouse Wildlife Rescue
If you will be attending the service online, and wish to donate online, visit:
https://newhousewildliferescue.org/home
 and click the Donate button
Share the Plate January
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Our Share the plate organization for January 28th is World Central Kitchen.
If you will be in the service on the 28th and wish to write a check, please make it out to World Central Kitchen, Inc
If you will be attending the service online, or wish to donate online, visit:
 and click the Donate button
Information about WCK:
World Central Kitchen(WCK) was founded by José Andrés in 2010 in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. World Central Kitchen responds to natural disasters, man-made crises, and humanitarian emergencies around the world. They are a team of food first responders, mobilizing with the urgency of now to get meals to the people who need them most. Deploying their model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, they know that a nourishing meal in a time of crisis is so much more than a plate of food—it’s hope, it’s dignity, and it’s a sign that someone cares.
Over the years, José and WCK teams have continued to learn, adapt, and build responses unique to each situation and community. They have, at times, made long-term commitments in food systems following disasters. Their Food Producer Network ran for five years supporting small food producers in Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Guatemala, and the USVIs. While cooking hot meals with locally sourced ingredients from Field Kitchens has traditionally been their goal and focus in times of crisis, sometimes fresh produce boxes or meal kits for families to cook themselves are a better fit. Partnering with local restaurants looking to help their neighbors allows WCK to get meals ready immediately. During WCK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, meals that were cooked, cooled, and could be reheated by families safely at home met the unique need of the time. The WCK approach is that they should always work with urgency, listen to communities, and adapt—all virtues that guide their work.
Share the Plate October
Our Share the Plate organization for October 22nd is UU the Vote.
UU the Vote is a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative focused on strengthening democracy and organizing for justice, accountability, and healing. The UUA successfully conducted its first UU the Vote initiative in 2020. More than 450 UU congregations and more than 5,000 volunteers participated in voter mobilization, get out the vote, and election defense efforts in all 50 states during the presidential election year. Volunteers sent more than a million postcards and held more than 350 UU the Vote events in 35 states. UU the Vote also co-hosted phone banks with partners in key states, including Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In total, UU the Vote volunteers contacted more than 3 million voters, including outreach to more than 148,000 voters in Michigan, 45,000 voters in Pennsylvania, and 36,000 voters in Nevada.
UU the Vote work continues this fall in the state and local elections and it is preparing for next year’s national elections.
For more information about UU the Vote, visit their website: https://uuthevote.org/
If you will be in the service on the 22 and wish to write a check, please make it out to
UU the Vote
If you will be attending the service online, or wish to donate online, visit:
https://uuthevote.org/ and click the Donate button at the top of the page
Share the Plate September
Red Cross – Hawaii Wildfires Relief
Our Share the Plate organization for September 24th is the the American Red Cross Of Hawaii – Wildfires Relief. Charted in Hawaii in 1917, the humanitarian work of the Red Cross actually began in Hawaii as early as 1898, during the Spanish American War. Red Cross has played a vital role in helping the people of Hawaii recover from every major disaster, including hurricanes, landslides, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and now wildfires.Â
If you will be in the service on the 24 and wish to write a check, please make it out to American Red Cross.
If you will be attending the service online, or wish to donate online, visit:
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ and select Hawaii Wildfire in the “I Want to Support” dropdownhare
