Back to School Program
The Back to School Program is offered in the fall for children and teens who are going to school. Each child or teen participating in the program receives a backpack full of grade appropriate school supplies and new outfits to wear.
Each summer, sponsors of our backpack program help us by purchasing and filling backpacks with school supplies for children. They also help purchase clothing for the children of families that benefit from services at NSC.
2024 Back to School Program Video
In 2024, with help from our sponsors and supporters, we were able to help 357 children with new Back to School clothing, shoes, backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes and grade appropriate school supplies.
Each child gives us their backpack color preferences and we do our best to match the backpack to the child. We gather the supplies lists from each school for each grade and we match the supplies to the age group.
New this year, we provided clothing gift certificates so the children and teens can pick out their own clothes as well as shoes. Each year we streamline the program, but each year more and more families in need walk through our doors.
Birthday Program
The Birthday Program is offered to parents of children 12 years old and under. Parents can receive items such as invitations, cake mixes, goody bag supplies, paper goods, and a gift to throw a birthday party for their child.
The program also offers the opportunity for children who will be attending a party to pick out a gift to bring to the birthday child.
Holiday Programs
Thanksgiving and Winter Holiday Programs provide food and gifts to families and elders in Natick.
Over Thanksgiving, we give seniors and families something to be thankful by providing food for a Thanksgiving celebration.
Whether it is Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanza, NSC gives parents the opportunity to provide some of the gifts on their children or teen's wish list. For elders, we provide volunteer stuffed gift bags to brighten up their holiday.
If you find yourself in a position to support this program we would be so very grateful! We have increased our goal from last year to $125,000 to meet the needs of our expanding list of families who need help.
You may also make a donation by check, if you prefer. Your check can be payable to Natick Service Council. In the memo line, include "Thanksgiving and Holiday Support" and mail to 2 Webster Street, Natick, MA 01760.
100% of your Donation will go directly to support the Thanksgiving and Holiday programs.