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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham Community Council (NCC) has been around for 87 years. Throughout these many years, the NCC has done exceptional things for the community - everything from running Needham’s food pantry to offering English as a Second Language courses. For everything that the Council does, they take time on one night every year to celebrate and enjoy the company of their colleagues. This year’s annual celebration was held on March 2 at North Hill Communities. In addition to thoroughly enjoying the evening, the NCC presented an award to a particularly hard-working member of the community and recognized those who helped out.
Debbie Winnick, Director of Development and PR for the NCC, explained a bit about the evening’s location. “We’re here at North Hill tonight especially tonight because we are honoring one of the staff members who has been very generous and has basically done a lot of fundraising among the residents of North Hill to support two of our major programs,” she explained. “One is a holiday gift program, mostly for kids during the Christmas season - or Hanukah, whatever you celebrate. The other is in August and it’s a back-to-school supplies distribution program, so she collects funds and then she goes shopping.” Pat Paulin was awarded the Council’s yearly Distinguished Service Award.
Described as “the Council’s Santa,” Paulin spoke a bit about her experience with the NCC and her journey. Twenty years ago, she was inspired to get involved. She helped raise $342 to buy snow tubes for kids in Needham. “Flash forward to today, as we just completed our 20th year of holiday drive. Over $8,000 were donated to purchase children’s toys,” she announced. “Why not reach out into the surrounding community to help others in need. One of the lessons I’ve learned is that there are people in need everywhere. You can bring some joy, put a smile on someone’s face, and let them know that they are not forgotten even if it’s just for one day.” Her inspiring words brought on cheers and excitement from the crowd.
Deb Jacob, the President of the Board, shared just how incredible this organization is, not only for those that they help out, but for those involved as well. “I think what sets us aside is the respect for the people that we serve. Not only for the people that we serve but the people who help us do this. We are run by volunteers, so we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers – the hours that they provide and the level of service that they provide. Whenever I go to help out with the food pantry to thrift shop, I always leave and I feel better!” Not only does the NCC provide resources that aren’t available, they help out programs that may be struggling. “It’s not just what’s missing but it’s what’s not being met well enough and then we help out,” Jacob elaborated.
A night filled with joy, hope, and inspiration, the Needham Community Council’s annual celebration was a moment for members of the group to kick back and recognize their achievements. But even the NCC couldn’t take a full night off from its work – this evening was filled with as much graciousness and giving as it was revelry.
