Andover Caring and Sharing outlines school-year and holiday aid, thanks council for prior support

Michelle Carlini, executive director of Andover Caring and Sharing, told the Andover City Council on Monday that the community nonprofit continues to expand help for local families, students and seniors. She thanked the city for a $2,000 grant last year and described program outcomes that relied heavily on volunteer support.

Carlini said the group distributed backpacks and school supplies to 147 children through partnerships with school counselors and the Andover Food Bank summer lunch program. She told council members that the group received additional donated supplies from local businesses and that the total cost for the school-supply effort was about $2,100 last year. "Because of you your support last year, we were able to provide supplies and, if requested, backpacks for a 147 children," she said.

The presentation said Andover Caring and Sharing also provided Christmas assistance to 75 families and 203 children, delivering gifts, food baskets and essential clothing items such as socks, hats and hoodies. Carlini said the program’s expenses for the season totaled about $7,000 and that more than 50 volunteers helped purchase, sort, wrap and distribute roughly 1,000 gifts. She acknowledged partnerships with local schools, churches and businesses that ran drives for socks, hats and toys.

Council members asked how residents can help; Carlini pointed to the Hometown Christmas campaign and referrals through Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and suggested contacting the organization to volunteer or donate. She said she has worked with the organization for about 13 years and that the community has supported similar efforts for roughly 25 years.

Carlini closed by thanking city staff and first responders who help with deliveries and distribution. The council did not take formal action on the presentation.