Wellesley Friendly Aid is dedicated to giving children living at or near poverty levels an enriching summer camp experience. This program is solely funded by donations, with a major gift from the Wellesley Service League.
►In 2019, the last year before COVID restrictions limited camp participation, 63 Wellesley children received camp financial aid.
"What was great about my participation in Wellesley Connects was not merely the insightful, nuanced expertise displayed by Tom through our one-on-one mentorship; what truly takes the cake is the confidence the program provides in letting first-generation students like myself know their future is well within their grasp."
"Wellesley Friendly Aid has been a wonderful resource for medical equipment for my Mom who has borrowed a variety of items over the years. When we were in need, Wellesley Friendly Aid was there with open arms, kindness and support."
For over 100 years, Wellesley Friendly Aid has brightened the holidays of residents in need. In the early 1900s, Friendly Aid board members delivered baskets with turkeys and the trimmings.
When cold weather approaches, many low income residents find themselves unable to pay their heating bills. Wellesley Friendly Aid processes applications for those residents under age 60 for the SMOC Fuel Assistance Program, which pays a portion of heating costs.
On Mondays from October through May Wellesley Friendly Aid hosts Friendship Circle, a program for senior women of all income levels. Participants enjoy a wide variety of activities including speakers such as Massachusetts Representative Alice Peisch; presentations by local quilters, garden clubs and the Wellesley Historical Society curator; craft activities; and holiday festivities.
Wellesley Friendly Aid is one of the sponsors of the English as a Second Language Program in Wellesley, which is administered by the Wellesley Free Library. We provide classroom materials and space for the various ESL classes that accommodate about 100 students.
"Friendly Aid helped with furniture and other essentials for my family during a very stressful relocation due to a natural disaster in Florida. I’m so grateful."