On April 25, Women at the Center hosted its beloved community service and social event, Hand in Hand, for the first time since the pandemic. Nearly 100 members of the community gathered to assemble custom care packages intended to nurture and bring joy to caregivers in need throughout the Brookline community. The evening kicked off with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, setting the tone for a warm and energetic evening of philanthropy-in-action.
“Hand in Hand allows our community to come together in support of a meaningful cause and personally give back. The room was brimming with creativity, generosity, and positive energy,” said Hand in Hand Co-Chair Shannon Tolis.
Attendees were provided with branded Hand in Hand boxes to fill with curated items including self-care products, snacks, notes of encouragement, and more. By the end of the night, over 200 care packages were loaded onto a truck, ready to be distributed to 100 Brookline Center clients and 100 caregivers served by the Brookline Food Pantry.
Hand in Hand Co-Chair Dana Lazowski stressed how meaningful these gift boxes are to those in need. “When our clients receive a Hand in Hand care package, they not only receive a physical gift. They are given the gift of knowing someone cares,” she said. “Our community has made a real impact in the lives of those who are struggling with mental health challenges, economic hardship, or family crises.”