by Michele Taranto

For the past seven years, the members of the Women’s Business Network of Norwood (WBN) look forward to their Annual Mitten/Winter Accessories Drive, for numerous reasons. First, they welcome the opportunity to facilitate an event that gives back to the community that support their local businesses. Second, this fundraiser provides a pathway to help those in need during the winter months. Third, and likely the most moving, each year the witness the generosity of strangers and the true meaning of community. 

This event is scheduled not only to coincide with the seasonal transition to cold weather gear, but also as to aid those who maybe cannot afford much during the holiday season. The donations are given to numerous organizations the first week of December to coincide with the weather and holiday season. 

Rising inflation rates have left many struggling even more to make ends meet this year. With priorities given to necessities, such as mortgages, rents, gas, heat, and stocking pantries, this year’s event is more important than ever to provide warm accessories and holiday gifts. As needs rise, however, so have requests for donation sites, which typically equals to more donations.

The 8th WBN Annual Mitten/Scarf Drive will be held Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. Many thanks to the gracious owners of the following establishments who will host the donation boxes: Norwood Senior Center, 275 Prospect St., Norwood, Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood, Murph’s Place, 58 Broadway, Norwood; May School/May Institute, 1 Commerce Way, Norwood; Modern Eyes, 696 Washington St., Norwood; League School, 300 Bos.-Prov. Hgwy., Walpole; Clean Remodel LLC, 50 River St., Dedham; Home Helpers Home Care, 609 Neponset St,, Unit 1, Canton; Back in Balance Chiropractic, 59 Pond St., Suite A, Sharon; Passion Beauty Supply & Salon, 1257 River St., Hyde Park.

The first week in December, all items will be donated to the Norwood and Dedham communities through local organizations and churches: the Norwood Food Pantry, the WCC Thrift Shop, First Baptist Church (Blessings Boutique), First Congregational Church of Norwood, and the Allin Congregational Church, of Dedham.

Since its inaugural year, this event has yielded a tremendous response from Norwood and surrounding communities. Many talented neighbors knit and crochet year-round in anticipation of the event and others even purchase new items to place in the bins. Donated items can be new, gently worn, or handmade. According to the Norwood Food Pantry Donations Coordinator, these donations are greatly appreciated and helped many Norwood families keep warm throughout the winter. 

WBN is a local women’s networking group. It has developed a reputation not only as a valuable referral and resource network for working women, but also for contributing to the local community

For more information on WBN, email [email protected], or call 781-799-7068. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wbnnorwood//

Look for the decorated boxes in the locations listed above! Donations are accepted during regular business hours.

Are you interested in building your business and receiving referrals? Looking to meet working women in the area, share/receive business tips, maybe get involved in the local community? Meet a few of the members of the Women’s Business Network of Norwood (WBN) and learn more about this non-profit networking group at their Open House! Drop in to Perks Coffeehouse, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 9:30-11 a.m. Meetings meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 8-9:30 a.m., Norwood Civic Center. One member per industry. To inquire about your industry, call 781-799-7068 or email [email protected].