by Michele Taranto

 

With rising inflation, it can be a difficult task to solicit donations. People are tightening their belts, watching every penny, curbing their purchases, and often making due with what they have. Even with these economic challenges, the Norwood community compassionately responded to the 7th Annual Women’s Business Network of Norwood (WBN) Annual Winter Accessory Drive making it another huge success! Through that generosity, many local neighbors will again have presents under the tree and stay warm this winter.

Five boxes were placed in Norwood, one in Dedham, and one in Hyde Park, filled with winter accessories, including gloves, mittens, scarfs, and hats in  festively decorated bins. On Thursday, Dec. 8, WBN members presented the Norwood Food Pantry, the Home for Little Wanderers Thrift Shop, and the Norwood Women’s Thrift Shop, with over 839 pieces of gently used, new, and handmade clothing; a gentle reminder that even during tough times people will bind together for the health and comfort of others. 

Each year, the fundraiser is held Nov. 1-30, but from the abundance of homemade items that were donated, it was clear many residents had busy hands throughout the year creating incredibly beautiful knitted pieces in preparation for the event. As in other years, the boxes were also plentiful with brand new items purchased for the event. Residents were so eager to support others that many donations came in right at deadline, with even one contributor meeting the group at the food pantry the morning of their group presentation.

In addition to the extreme generosity of Norwood residents, WBN members would like to thank the following businesses for hosting a donation box the month of November in their establishments: Murph’s Place, 58 Broadway, Norwood; As Good As It Gets Café, 1210 Prov.-Hgwy. (behind Petco), Norwood; Brookside Café, 1260 Washington St., S. Norwood; the Norwood Senior Center, Brickify, 15R Cottage St., Norwood; and Clean Remodel LLC, 50 River St., Dedham, and Passion Beauty Supply & Salon, 1257 River St., Hyde Park. The drive would not function without donation bins, and many thanks is also due to the students at the League School of Greater Boston, in Walpole, for their playful creativity decorating the boxes. 

WBN was formed eight years ago and its participants include women who work or live in and around Norwood. Shadowing their tagline, Connect, Refer, and Support, the members strive to support each other and their businesses through referrals, advice, consultations, linking business connections, and sharing wisdom. Their chapter also consider it vitally important to give back to the community that supports their businesses throughout the year through civic service projects, such as the winter accessory drive.

Current WBN members include Michele Taranto, Suburban Lifestyle Real Estate; Kandi Finch, All Chores Considered; Wendy Aimola, New York Life Insurance Co.; Ellen Connors,, Shamrock Home Loans, Kim Burke, Home Helpers; Catherine Good, Law Office of Catherine Becker Good; Maria Levin, Maria Levin PC; Mencia Quinonez, Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant; Alyssa Koulopoulos, Comparion Insurance Agency; Natalie Navatta-Golia, Merry Go Sweets; Amy Cain, Percy Law Group; Jayne Singh, Shine Bright Workshops; Jillian Banks, Back in Balance Chiropractic; Korinna Locke, Dwyer, Spino & Goncalves; Mary Angione, Whole Healthy Wellness; Misha Donner. 

WBN is currently accepting members. Only one representative per industry. For more information on WBN, email [email protected], or call 781-799-7068.