The State Police Association of Massachusetts is partnering with other community groups and organizations in Boston to commemorate Black History Month through a day of community service. MA State Police organizations One Blue and the Massachusetts Minority State Police Officers Association, Inc are also collaborating with the Association to support this engagement.

The spread of COVID-19 remains a concern in vulnerable communities until a critical mass of the population in these areas can receive the vaccination. The response day will focus on distributing masks, sanitizer, and food boxes to older adults and families living in affordable housing provided by UHM Properties and neighborhood members who receive services at the Neighborhood Network Center, Inc. The goal is to serve 350 older adults and families.

Since May 2020, the Associationhas actively responded to the needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has addressed food insecurity, the social isolation of older adults and partnered with the MA State Police to develop an online family workout program to support youth learning remotely.

Through these combined efforts, the Associationhas been able to engage over 50,000 residents of the Commonwealth.

Date/Time

Saturday, February 27, 2021
Setup: 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
Event: 1:00PM – 4:00 PM

Location

Neighborhood Network Center, Inc
434 Warren Street
Dorchester, MA 02121

Logistics

Recruitment

Detective Lieutenants Lisa Butner and Mario Millet have successfully recruited 35 Troopers to assist with set up, distribution, and delivery. The Troopers will participate in shifts depending on their work schedule and the distance they traveled to participate in this event.

Set-Up

10:00 AM
There will be approximately 350 bags of personal protective equipment to be put into Ziploc bags. These bags will include KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, and information about how to register for the COVID-19 vaccination.

11:30 AM
Katsiroubas Produce will deliver 700 food boxes. Each family will receive two boxes containing fruits, vegetables, and meat. The boxes will need to be stacked together for easy onsite distribution and loaded into vehicles. A complete COVID care package is the food boxes and the PPE bag.

Event

1:00 PM
Doors open to distribute care packages to registered participants. Troopers will assist with loading cars. It has been approved for troopers to make deliveries to older adults and families without transportation. NNC staff will provide a list for deliveries within the Grove Hall corridor.

COVID-19 Protocols

Masks are required. Gloves are available upon request. The air purifier will be in constant use. Everyone will be encouraged to wash their hands periodically. There is a separation between the pickup area and the volunteer assembly area.

Food/Refreshments for Volunteers

The Association President Sargeant Michael Cherven will bring coffee and doughnuts for the 10:00 AM shift and will order pizza for lunch. The Neighborhood Network Center will provide beverages.

Partners List

Boston Public Health Commission
Mass Housing (Community Services Department)
MA State Police One Blue
Massachusetts Minority State Police Officers Association, Inc
Masking the Community
UHM Properties

For More information contact:

Cathy Draine
Director of Community Engagement
State Police Association of Massachusetts

Phone: (617) 396-4283
Email: cdraine@msptrooper.org