Letter: TDTC Continues New Tradition of Helping, Says Chair

The committee voted to ‘adopt’ Alternative House for Winter Giving effort

Dear Tewksbury Friends & Neighbors, 

Last year, the Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee decided to replace its traditional December social event with a toiletries drive to benefit a local shelter for women and children. We were blown away by the community’s response. Our box at the library was literally overflowing. We delivered two carloads of donated toiletry items. We also collected over $200 in cash donations.

For 2023, TDTC members at our November meeting voted unanimously to make this a new tradition and continue our focus on women and children by adopting Alternative House, a shelter for people affected by domestic violence that serves the Merrimack Valley, including Tewksbury.

So far in 2023, Alternative House has served more than 800 clients, placed more than 70 individuals in housing programs, answered 400+ hotline calls, and provided 1,100+ hours of advocacy. Alternative House is one of three founding agencies of our area’s high-risk assessment/rapid response team as well as the founder of the Task Force Against Domestic Violence.

Interested residents may help through Jan. 31 in three ways:

1. Alternative House’s Amazon Wish List has a variety of items needed by shelter residents, from children’s books and art supplies to diapers and clothing items. Please note “TDTC drive” in the gift note.

2. If you are picking up toiletries for the Tewksbury Public Library’s Community Pantry Non-Food Drive, please grab an extra item, such as baby shampoo or wipes, and drop it in the TDTC’s basket. We’ll pick up items and deliver them to the Alternative House office.

3. Or, use our dedicated GiveButter link to donate and we will purchase Market Basket, CVS, gas and other gift cards requested by Alternative House residents to help them relaunch their lives free of the fear of abuse.

The TDTC will deliver all donations and report back on results. Thank you in advance, and have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

Sincerely, Cathy Dwyer
Chair, Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee