Special to the Transcript
The holidays were a little less stressful for some local families that have been struggling thanks to a supportive community that came together to deliver toys.
Mi Amore, which delivers food to families experiencing food insecurity all year long, was able to add some extra special gifts this year thanks to the generous donations of several groups in town.
“Winthrop organizations and families support Mi Amore all year long and we are grateful for this community and how much it cares,” said Mi Amore Executive Director Suzanne Carson.
The Winthrop Police Department donated toys to Mi Amore families. Ronnie Vitale and Donna Martarazzo and their family and friends donated enough toys for 31 families and also provided a check from the United Steel Workers for $1,000. The Odd Fellows club asked to do a Giving Tree this season. They organized and delivered toys requested by 10 Mi Amore families.
Survivors by the Sea adopted a Wintthorp family who is battling cancer, provided many necessities they needed and they also provided a box from “Cookies for Comfort ” for every Mi Amore family during their event.
The Meat Market donated packages of sausages to each Mi Amore family.
Mike and Donna Eruzione and The Winthrop Charities donated $1,000 to Mi Amore towards food or other necessities over Thanksgiving and then surprised Mi Amore with $3,000 in gift cards to give to families so they can then purchase needed items or gifts for their families.
“Through the generous monetary donations from many of the people of Winthrop and CAPIC, Mi Amore has been able to continue to purchase meals for the Winthrop families, but these gifts and gift cards surprised these families as much as it surprised Mi Amore,” Carson said.
“The MI Amore families were extremely grateful for the food and the gifts. This town is not only providing the basic necessities, but it’s also giving joy and hope.”
Mi Amore recovers food for families in need from many different organizations all year long, but most regularly from the CPYC. With support from CAPIC and donations, they are also able to provide a box of essential food to families once a week. Additionally, Paul Marks provides a box of food to approx 10 Mi Amore families every other week. All of these deliveries are only possible with all 20 Winthrop Volunteers who deliver for Mi Amore regularly.
In total, Mi Amore is working with 76 families including 144 children
Over the Holidays the community of Winthrop always does more for these families.
“This particular Holiday season has been extra special as we have seen the generosity of Winthrop share it’s support in ways we haven’t seen in other Holiday seasons,” Carson said. “We had multiple toy drives provided for Winthrop families.” To learn more about Mi Amore, or make a donation, visit www.mi-amore.org.