UPDATED Feb. 17: Arlington EATS thanks the community for helping it reach its capital-campaign goal of $1.25 million.

The nonprofit reached that substantial number as 2021 ended, and it acknowledges the generosity of so many neighbors. "Your kindness will increase access to food, provide connections to other agencies, and enable us to maintain our operations under one roof for the first time in 30 years," a current newsletter says, referring to the new headquarters at 117 Broadway.

"If the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that we all need one another," the newsletter says.

UPDATED, June 13: The Arlington Greek Festival returned for three days and nights in June 2021.

With safety measures and protocols, St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church welcomed all back for its favorite event of the year.

In an email June 11, the town said Appleton Place between Mass. Ave. and Burton Street will be a one-way street heading up Burton street, including the closing of Acton Place. Please follow police detail instructions for the area. 

This year organizers have take-out/to-go dinners for those who prefer to pick up and eat at home.

UPDATED, March 26: Arlington EATS, amid a $1.25 million capital campaign to build the organization’s first dedicated headquarters in its 29-year history, has raised more than $50,000 via Beats for EATS At Home -- the 2021 socially distant event featuring a townwide scavenger hunt and an online auction designed for the whole community.

The goups' March 26 emailed newsletter reported the amount. "Your support is what helps us continue to we deliver fresh produce and pantry staples to over 270 familes each week," it said.

NEAT (Neighbors Eating All Together), a passionate group of citizens who started serving community meals in spring 2017 in the downstairs hall of St. John’s Church in Arlington, continued its service on Thanksgiving despite the pandemic.

The effort brought people together to create a welcoming space and nourishment, serving a meal open to all Arlington citizens in need of either food, company or both. Before suspending operations, NEAT had served 27 community meals.

On Thanksgiving Day, the group finally had the chance again to offer nourishment to those in need.

How it happened: Learning that the Council on Aging (CoA) traditionally delivered meals to housebound elders on Thanksgiving Day, NEAT offered to help. CoA was thrilled to bring us into the fold.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Arlington Youth Counseling Center  (AYCC). In recognition of this milestone, and in lieu of the annual AYCC gala fund-raiser, the Board of Youth Services is appealing to the community for donations to the "50K for 50 Years" campaign.

The ninth annual gala for the AYCC was held last November at Town Hall and honored Carlene Newell. 

For 50 years, AYCC has provided outstanding mental-health care and compassionate service to Arlington’s youth and families. For 50 years, AYCC has evolved as a mental-health agency, learning from and responding to the changing needs of the community. 

Today, AYCC is the leading provider of outpatient and school-based child and adolescent mental-health services in Arlington, and remains resolute in its mission to eliminate barriers to care. 

Stratton Elementary School fifth grader Sabina von Goeler collected more than $1,300 in contributions during August and September for her online donation drive, Fundraising 4 Paws.

The funds went toward cleaning supplies, dog treats and toys, which were delivered to Sweet Paws Rescue in Groveland, on Sept. 26. The website, www.fundraising4paws.com, remains open to any individuals still wishing to make a contribution.

"Kids like Sabina doing selfless donation drives to support our rescue makes a huge difference for our animals, and we are extremely grateful," Sweet Paws Rescue said in a statement.

Von Goeler started Fundraising 4 Paws as part of a community-project requirement to earn her black belt from Elite Freestyle Karate on Medford Street. She chose Sweet Paws Rescue after going through their adoption process and welcoming a puppy, Fonzi, home this summer.

UPDATED, Sept. 17: The Town of Arlington's Covid-19 Relief Fund, seeking donations to help residents in need during and after the crisis, has raised nearly $150,000 and distributed $43,000.

The fund provides emergency assistance to Arlington community members experiencing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19. The fund was established by the Town of Arlington and the Arlington Health and Human Services Charitable Corporation, has raised nearly $150,000 to date.

Read the full update here >>

Sagar Rastogi, a rising senior at Arlington High School, is helping to lead an initiative called Sponsor-A-Basket with two other high school students from Burlington, Anshul Shirude and Ayush Shingavi, to help food pantries feed families in uncertain times.  

Ayush Shingavi, left, and Anshul Shirude await your donations.

 The three have already raised well over $3,000 for Burlington, Tewksbury, Lexington and Bedford. Now, the team is working through Arlington EATS, to serve families in need in Arlington.

Food pantries are working hard to make sure they can feed the families who need help. Recently, they launched a campaign with the Burlington Food Pantry and accumulated $1,597 in two weeks. Food equaling that amount was donated to the Burlington pantry. Instead of 25 to 30 families, it serves mire than 57 families daily.

The three have also expanded their campaign to Lexington, Tewksbury and Bedford.

UPDATED, June 27: Arlington's Got Talent was held Friday, June 26, and by the next day, the effort was nearing its goal of $1,000.

The live virtual talent show led by the AHS Scoops club invited Arlingtonians of all ages to connect and celebrate creativity, diversity and community, while raising money for the Jimmy Fund. 

For more details, click here >>