The numbers continue to grow each year! In the 5th Annual Women’s Business Network of Norwood (WBN) Winter Clothing Drive, close to 1,000 pieces were donated, up from approximately 675 pieces in the 2019 event. The impressive flood of donations is just one example of why residents can truly call Norwood a community where neighbors come together and the word community is taken to heart.

In addition to the extreme generosity of Norwood residents, WBN members would like to thank the following businesses for hosting a donation box in their establishments: Murph’s Place, 58 Broadway, Norwood; the Vanderbilt Club, 45 Vanderbilt Ave., Norwood; As Good As It Gets Café, 1210 Prov.-Hgwy. (behind Petco), Norwood; Brookside Café, 1260 Washington St., S. Norwood; Clean Remodel LLC, 50 River St., Dedham, and Linda’s Loot Antiques, 1121 Washington St., S. Norwood.  Contributions were so generous that boxes quickly filled up and multiple trips were required by WBN members to make room for those cold-weather accessories. Also, the students at the League School of Greater Boston, in Walpole, did a tremendous job festively decorating each box and printing flyers to promote the campaign. 

The drive was held Nov. 1-Dec. 1, but from the abundance of homemade items that were donated, it was clear many residents were busy throughout the year in preparation for the event, including the crafters at the Norwood Senior Center. This year the boxes were also plentiful with brand new items purchased and donated to this yearly event. To maintain safe COVID guidelines, hundreds of the donations to the Norwood Food Pantry were also individually bagged and tagged by WBN members (and their children) for ease of distribution.

In the first week of December, the WBN members offered their donations to the Norwood Food Pantry and the Home for Little Wanderers Thrift Shop, in Roslindale. Two $100 checks were also given to present to each non-profit organization by a personal donation. Thanks to the benevolence of so many people, their local neighbors will not have to worry about staying warm during the cold, winter months.

WBN was formed six years ago and its participants include women who work or live in and around Norwood. Shadowing  their tagline, Connect, Refer, and Support, the members strive to support each other and their businesses through referrals, advice, consultations, and linking business connections. Their chapter also consider it vitally important to give back to the community that supports their businesses throughout the year through community service projects. 

Current WBN members include Michele Taranto, Real Living Suburban Lifestyle; Beth Levine, Hearing Care Solutions; Kandi Finch, All Chores Considered; Wendy Aimola, New York Life Insurance Co.; Ellen Connors,, Shamrock Financial Corp., Kim Burke, Home Helpers; Catherine Good, Law Office of Catherine Becker Good; Maria Levin, Maria Levin PC; Mencia Quinonez, Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant; Laurie Shea, Cause and Events; Kyeana Jones, Kyeana Jones Photography; and Jen Schofield, Local Town Pages.

WBN is currently accepting members. Only one representative per industry. For more information on WBN, email [email protected], or call 781-799-7068.