My Nonprofit Reviews

People Making a Difference (PMD) is a stunning example of a well-run nonprofit. Their concept of providing volunteers for one-off projects is an outstanding idea, matching up a community's needs to people who are willing to complete tasks to solve those needs. Signing up is incredibly easy. Each project had clearly defined start and stop times, as well as detailed descriptions so one knows what to expect.

I was also introduced to other nonprofits and organizations I would have otherwise never encountered. All the projects on which I helped directly impacted individuals in the community. The variety of projects, too, is amazing and all of them hands-on activities. Some of my projects were: putting together Braille books; cooking, serving and sharing a meal with at risk/lonely elderly residents; clearing invasive, non-native plants at both Belle Isle Marsh and Walden Pond; building trails in the City of Lynn; sorting and folding donated clothes at St. Francis House; preparing and serving meals at Pine Street Inn and the Women's Lunch Place; packaging books for prisoners. And those just skim the surface!

The projects are all well defined and well run, with instructions from the project manager at the start and time to introduce ourselves. I met loads of interesting people, from MIT students to 90 year-olds. I tried new recipes , found new places in the greater Boston area and learned how to handle a mattock - so, while I was donating my time, I was also learning.

I travel a lot for work, but still like to contribute to the community in which I live and PMD makes that incredibly easy. On my own, I wouldn't have had time to seek out the variety of volunteer opportunities they offer, and all for other organizations! The projects I've participated in have allowed me to work outdoors on trails, cook and share Thanksgiving dinner with the elderly, put together Braille books, paint signs and faces, and sort clothes for the homeless. All volunteer project managers have been well organized and knowledgeable - the different teams interesting, diverse and fun. PMD and Lori are treasures!