BCAT News

From her hair salon chair to the State House, Joyce Deliyiannis began a movement of charity, goodwill and kindness. This year, her organization, HELPIS, is celebrating its trademark Month of Kindness on Friday, May 3 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the American Legion Bar in Burlington.

Deliyiannis has become a fixture in Burlington as the founder of HELPIS, a registered Massachusetts nonprofit corporation with a small army of volunteers that connects children and families in need with those that want to help. A huge part of Joyce’s work has been initiating May as the official Month of Kindness in Massachusetts. Deliyiannis moved a bill through the State House that was signed by former Governor Charlie Baker.

“It’s about the people and the kindness,” she stated simply.

Tickets to Friday’s celebration include complimentary hors d’oeuvre, raffles, a silent auction (cash and checks accepted), cash bar and a DJ with plenty of dancing.

The night will help to kick off May as the Month of Kindness and will feature highly regarded speakers who are active in charitable outreach, like Christine Shruhan, Executive Director of Burlington Youth and Family Services; Aura Obando, Medical Director for Boston HealthCare for the Homeless; Samatha Stone, City of Woburn Community Outreach; and Christine Conceison, Burlington Public Schools District Director of Mental Health.

Joyce is also venturing to take the message of May the Month of Kindness and put it into practice in Burlington Public Schools. The effort is to instill a sense of caring for what others need in Burlington students.

“The message for the younger generation, the power of them,” Deliyiannis continued. “They don’t understand their worth and power. They have what it takes.”

Start the month of May with the HELPIS Celebration of Kindness 2024 Friday, May 3, and help encourage charitable deeds for those that need throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.