Health

Merrimack Valley organization helps families get back on their feet

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — During this pandemic, so many people have lost their jobs and are in desperate need of help. But there’s a place in the Merrimack Valley that can be a lifeline for so many families. It’s called the Wish Project.

Jill Maker is the director of operations at the non-profit agency. She’s been with the organization for 14 years. Before that, she was a client after her home in Lowell got flooded out.

“One thing can change your life forever,” she said. “Right now we’re in the middle of a pandemic and a lot of people’s lives have changed.”

Due to the pandemic, a lot more people are reaching out for help. Each year the Wish Project provides more than $1 million worth of furniture, clothing and diapers, among other items, to clients in need in the Merrimack Valley.

It helps them get back on their feet.

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“What we used to have for a thrift store we’ve turned into emergency supplies. So now we have all the cleaning supplies, laundry soaps and dish soaps. Toiletries is a big thing because everyone is trying to clean more,” Maker said.

The Wish Project helped more than 60,000 people last year. Its warehouse is stuffed with all sorts of donated items where clients can shop. A big item during the pandemic has been headsets for children who are now learning remotely.

“So now these kids can wear those headphones with a microphone and they can block out a little bit of the family noise and really concentrate more with what the teacher is saying,” said Alyce Moore, executive director of the Wish Project.

The organization said it’s still filling a need for headsets and microphones for children who are learning remotely.

If you are interested in donating, contact the Wish Project at info@thewishproject.org.

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