There was a heartfelt proclamation and a celebration for HELPIS, the Burlington based social network for kind and charitable deeds that connects people in need with people who want to help. Founder Joyce Deliyiannis and Director Lorie Glantz were before the Select Board for the decree of the HELPIS speared state law that May is the Month of Kindness in Massachusetts.
In 2009 during the economic downturn of the housing crisis Deliyiannis, a hairdresser by trade, started giving free haircuts and helping people find jobs in Burlington and other communities. Glantz gave the board a brief history of where it went from there.
“HELPIS has blossomed into giving over $9 million in goods and services to local service organizations, families, individuals and more. We work closely with Burlington Youth and Family Services and the staff at Burlington High School. We help to fulfill the needs of students, veterans and the elderly for things like clothing, food and housing support,” Glantz continued. “We would like to thank the people of Burlington for supporting us. We really could not have done it without you”.
The Select Board commended the years of HELPIS good works and Deliyiannis’ ability to rally people to give. As stated in the proclamation, the Select Board declared May 24th HELPIS Day in the Town of Burlington. Deliyiannis replied to the accolades.
“We are hoping to bring May the Month of Kindness nationwide,” said Deliyiannis.
On May 24th HELPIS held their Annual May the Month of Kindness Celebration at the Grandview Farm. Various organization representatives from the Boston area spoke on the efforts and contributions made to their institutions by HELPIS and Joyce Deliyiannis.
Also in attendance was State Representative Ken Gordon who took Deliyannis’ initiative for the May the Month of Kindness law all the way to the Governor’s desk. Gordon had Massachusetts school children help him file the bill and testify to move it through committee. The bill passed the House and Senate and Governor Charlie Baker signed May the Month of Kindness into law in April 2016.
Since Deliyiannis’ free haircuts HELPIS has developed into a multi-personnel organization with a Board of Directors, a league of volunteers and an impressive social network. HELPIS has made millions of dollars in donations, charitable items and hands-on effort to service organizations, families in need, homeless children and more (including over 1,100 collected and donated teddy bears). The epicenter of HELPIS activities is Deliyiannis’ home on Terrace Hall Ave, earning her the much derserved moniker “The Angle of Terrace Hall Avenue”.
Click Here these to learn more, donate and volunteer for this Burlington homegrown charity.
HELPIS May Month of Kindness Celebration
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