Lynn Fire Update

Thank You Greater Lynn Community!!

On Saturday, January 21st, many, many families were helped thanks to the generosity of the Greater Lynn Community, Centerboard Staffers and the amazing volunteers who dedicated their time to make our Clothing Distribution Day a huge success!!

Dateline: January 9th, 2017

On New Year’s Day, a 5-alarm fire on West Baltimore St. in Lynn made 64 people instantly homeless with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The call for donations went out and the Greater Lynn community responded with such robust compassion that all of us here at Centerboard were overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. 

We all know times are tough out there for everyone. We also all know that when the chips are down, communities come together to support one another. Centerboard led the effort along with Lynn Museum/LynnArts, the Lynn Shelter Association, Lynn Economic Opportunity, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Salvation Army to gather all manner of things the fire victims would need in the cold of January. Clothing, house wares, coats, mittens, hats, toiletries, diapers etc. filled our entire 4,000 square foot engagement center. Additionally, countless people showed up to volunteer to sort, organize and offer their kind words in the face of such a neighborhood tragedy. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, we send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who selflessly gave of their time, possessions and dollars to help out our neighbors in need. This type of caring and generosity are why we at Centerboard are so thankful and proud to call Lynn home!