Lending Neighbors a Helping Hand

By Paige McAtee

When people within the community are going through a crisis, Neighbor Brigade marches in to give their help.

The organization was brought to Braintree in 2012 by current chapter leader Alison MacDonald. Along with MacDonald, two new Braintree residents, Richard Ellis and Holly Diauto, have recently joined the chapter’s leadership.

Whether a person is sick, recovering after an accident, or in need of support he or she may not receive in daily life, this organization will give assistance.

Neighbor Brigade has 35 chapters throughout Massachusetts. All of the chapters together have nearly 5,000 volunteers in the organization and have delivered about 7,000 meals to those in need of support.

The three Braintree chapter leaders will work together to best support the needs of their chapter by recruiting more volunteers or by increasing awareness of the organization throughout Braintree, which they did at the Braintree Farmer’s market on July 26.

To become involved with the Braintree chapter, email the chapter leaders at BraintreeMA@neighborbrigade.org.

“Neighbor Brigade is a great organization because it provides an organized way to help neighbors and community members manage their routines and needs during a difficult time,” said Ellis.

Neighbor Brigade provides services for its community members whether it’s cooking a meal, walking a dog, performing small errands, or setting up a doctor’s appointment.

In order to become a volunteer or request assistance with Neighbor Brigade, visit the organization’s website.

Photo (L-R): Alison MacDonald, Richard Ellis and Holly Diauto