Burlington Moms Collect 205 Gift Bags For People Helping People

BURLINGTON, MA — Momtourage, a Burlington group which has been around for about 12 years, brings together local mothers of young children. The group members organize activities for their kids, give each other advice and hand-off toys and items their kids have outgrown.

They also do something to give back, every three months or so, according to the group's leader Margo Bunker.

Most recently, the group put together gift bags for People Helping People, the town's food pantry. They put together over 200 total bags: 85 for local seniors and 120 for kids.

The "members donated over 860 snacks, 175 juice boxes, 95 pairs of socks and gloves, 104 individual hand sanitizers, 85 packets of hot cocoa, 100 tea bags, 104 hand warmers and a few hundred pieces of candy," Bunker said.

Burlington resident Emily Deleskey spearheaded the initiative.

"We're trying to foster a sense of giving back within our children, to represent the good in the world," Bunker said. "We want to be a group that's known for helping people when they need it, showing the young kids that even the smallest gesture is big when it comes to someone in need."

People Helping People gave the members a list of what every gift bag should contain, and members responded enthusiastically, shopping for and donating large amounts of food. Once the collection was complete, the gift bags were given to People Helping People to distribute to local seniors and children in need.

Bunker said that any moms in the community who are feeling lonely or isolated during the pandemic should reach out to them. Momtourage can be found on Meetup.

Learn how to donate to People Helping People.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.