11/22/2025 From Sue Orr and Roberta Wells (chairpeople):
We are still in need of Men’s Socks, Men’s Gloves, Men’s Hats, & Mens’ Scarves/Neckwarmers and a few snacks.
November 6 through December 2: Donation Collection
Bring donations to the clubhouse lobby, deposit in the trunk.
If you have already donated – Thank You!
December 3, 10 AM: Final assembly of knapsacks
Questions? Contact Sue Orr or Roberta Wells or committee members: Linda Kelley, Donna Tuzzolo, MaryEllen McGrath, Lynn Doyle, Phyllis Morris, Louise Lussier.
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11/1/2025: We need Christmas cards:
> If you have some Christmas Cards you are not going to be using, please add those to the donation box so we can include a personal note inside each knapsack.
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12/7/2024: Phyllis Morris shared a letter of thanks from the President and CEO of Families in Transition:
11/19/2024
In under an hour, the Hickory Woods neighbors put together 250 bags to take to “Families in Transition” in Manchester.
These bags each contain socks, a hat, scarf, gloves, mylar blanket, rain poncho, tissues, hand warmers, toiletries and snacks. All items were donated by the neighbors of Hickory Woods in a two-week period from October 26th to November 15th.
NORA’S KNAPSACKS 2024
Top Row l-r: Greg Orr, Brad Perham, Tom Morris, John Goglia, Jay Fallon, Joanne Fallon, Bob Zuccaro, Karen Wilson
Middle Row: Sharon Joyal, Phyllis Morris, Maryellen McGrath, Cathy McMullen, Priscilla McDonough, Sheila Jenkins, Lynn Doyle, Judy Goglia, Roberta Wells
Front Row: Stephanie Connor, Nancy Mosher, Mary Doherty, Sue Orr, Donna Tuzzolo, Paula Zuccaro. Picture taken by Ann Perham.
The assembly crew filled the bags in under an hour!
The packing crew (above) boxed up the knapsacks and the delivery crew of Bob and Maryellen McGrath and Tom and Phyllis Morris had the bags at Families in Transition in Manchester before noon!
2024 TIMELINE
Monday October 26 through Friday November 15: Bring your donations to the HW Clubhouse. Deposit your items in the blue bin in the foyer. The committee will sort and tally donations in the meeting room.
Tuesday November 19 at 9 AM: Assembly of the bags. All neighbors are welcome to assist in filling the bags. It should take less than 2 hours.
Tuesday November 19th: Transport the boxed knapsacks to Families in Transition – Maryellen and Bob McGrath
THANK YOU for the donation of the knapsacks to Scott MacConnell, Phoenix Screen Printing and Embroidery (son of Nancy Mosher)
Questions? Please contact a committee member: Mary Doherty, Sue Orr, Lynn Doyle, Sharon Joyal, Joanne Fallon, Mary Lou Gould, Roberta Wells, Phyllis Morris, Ann Perham, Vern Loschi
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What are the origins of Nora’s Knapsacks?
Nora Moris was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidson, Maryland. She devoted much time and energy to outreach for those who have nothing, the homeless. Her death did not end this work; READ about the continuation of her work at her church in Maryland.
Nora would put together bags with granola bars, water and various other items and keeps these bags in her car. She drove around the less fortunate neighborhoods of Baltimore and gave them to those people on the streets who appear to be in need. She was a brave person. Her courage has been an example for many of us. We, at Holy Family, put together drawstring bags of our own. We are having them available after masses throughout the year. Keep one in your car. When you see someone who is in need (when you are stopped at a traffic light, walking in a parking lot, in your daily travels) you give them the bag.
Through the efforts of Tom and Phyllis Morris to continue the spirit of their daughter in law, the Hickory Woods community has generously supported this project since 2019. Our goal for 2024 is to fill 200 bags to take to a homeless shelter in Manchester.
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THANK YOU received from Families in Transition (1/12/2024)
November 30, 2023: Hickory Woods neighbors donate 200+ Nora’s Knapsacks; Heartfelt thanks from Phyllis
Assembling the bags on November 30, 2023:(front) Donna Tuzzolo, Mary Doherty, Maryellen McGrath, Dale St.Louis, Phyllis Morris, Denise Penaskovic, Ellen Medeiros; (middle-right) Cathy McMullen, Paula Zuccaro, Sue Orr; (standing): Terry McDonough, Judy Goglia, Linda Kelly, Sheila Jenkins, Roberta Wells, Emma Greenhalgh, Joanne Fallon, Lou Pellerin, Lynn Doyle, Priscilla McDonough, Karen Wilson, Peggy Piekos, John Goglia, Greg Orr, Bob Zuccaro. (Not in picture: Bob McGrath, Ann Perham)
The crafters made 108 hats for the Knapsacks!
The Knapsacks had 106 hats, hand-crafted by the HW Ladies. Pictured: Dale St. Louis, Joan McCarthy, Sheila Jenkins and Vern Loschi. Not pictured but part of the team of knitters: Cherryl Gordon, Joyce Newman, Leslie Boone, Laura Kuzia, Nancy Shearer.
WMUR-TV reported on this feel-good project: VIEW the TV story
Delivering the Knapsacks to New Horizons in Manchester
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- Delivering the MANY boxes to New Horizons: Bob McGrath, Maryellen McGrath, Phyllis Morris, John Goglia
From Phyllis Morris: To all my neighbors here at Hickory Woods thank you so very much for making Nora’s Knapsacks the huge success that it is. With all the donations and the help that is required the event this year was able to fill 210 knapsacks filled with essentials for someone in need. Along with the knapsacks another 6 large boxes of essentials was given to the shelter. They were truly grateful to receive it all. There are so many individual people here in the neighborhood to thank. The list is long! Those who donated items in many forms and those who gave their time. I try to thank each one individually and I’m sure I missed a few. We received the items for the knapsacks and also large boxes for new clothes that have been given out in weeks past thanks to a generous donation from a neighbor here at Hickory Woods. A huge thank you to each and every one of you for everything you have done.
A knapsack given to someone in need helps to keep them warm, dry, and a little dignity as well with the toiletries needed. You may not realize what is most important to them is the fact that some one cares. Especially at this time of year when we are so busy and purchasing gifts for everyone we love. Yes, there is a Santa Claus and he wears many different suits! We have so much to give and they have so little. Now because of you they have a Nora’s Knapsack. 
Updates from Phyllis Morris: 
November 11, 2023: I am still taking donations for the homeless until Nov. 29. On Nov. 30th we are scheduled to fill the bags at the clubhouse. I currently have one volunteer to help bring all the donations to the clubhouse from my home. I could use at least one more, 2 would be great. This would be at 8:30 am and would take approximately 20 minutes. We will start sorting and packing all donations at 9:00 with a great team effort if anybody would like to help with the task. I am grateful for any help that can be offered. As of now all 200 bags will be filled and I will have many more donations to box and bring to the shelter, thanks to the generous residents of Hickory Woods.
November 4, 2023: I am pleased to tell everyone that with amazing donations that have come to me for the homeless bags from so many residents that we are nearly at the point of being able to fill 200 bags that we planned on for this year.
- We have filled our quota of snacks, men’s socks and Mylar blankets.
- We only need about 20 scarves and gloves to reach the 200 mark.
- Tooth brushes and small toothpaste are still needed.
- We are in need of men’s hats and I know that the ladies craft day are busy in that dept. so I will have an update soon on what’s needed there.
- That being said I would like anyone wishing to donate or that have already purchased items to know that even though a quota has been met on certain items that we will double up on duplicates in the bags if needed.
The shelter is so grateful for all these bags and any extras that will come their way. I can’t stress enough at how much is needed and the difference we are making in many lives.
I am reaching out for able bodies to help bring all the donations to the clubhouse on Nov. 30th. from my basement and garage for that morning to fill the bags.
- 8:30 am to bring them over and a 9:00 am for any volunteers that will help with all that’s needed that morning. We usually do the task in about 2 hours.
- Also needed is someone to help deliver the boxes when finished to the Manchester shelter.
Also any monetary donations that anyone would may like to contribute could be made to New Horizons -Families in Transition at any time. https://www.fitnh.org/get-involved/
I appreciate all the help and cannot thank all enough! Contact me for any questions anytime.
October 29: We are still in need of all items. Donations are a little slower coming in than last year and I suspect the warm weather has a lot to do with it. I think as the cold weather is about to hit us many will be thinking of the less fortunate that are in great numbers on the street with nothing to keep them warm.
November 30 will be the day that we will plan on to fill the knapsacks and then deliver them to the shelter – save the date!
2023 Nora’s Knapsacks Kickoff !
Phyllis Morris is once again spearheading the “Nora’s Knapsack project.” “The need to help those less fortunate is even greater than in years past.”
Phyllis is grateful for any donation to help the homeless in any way.
Phyllis’s goal this year is 200 bags that will be delivered to the shelter around the first week in December.
Questions? Contact Phyllis anytime: pmtennis@myfairpoint.net
UDATE on suggested items for donation – similar to previous years:
- Socks
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Hats
- Snacks – individually wrapped
- Toiletries – small size
- Tooth brushes, small size toothpaste
- Rain ponchos
- Hand warmers
- Mylar blankets (have enough for 2023)
Special notes:
- We generally need more men’s items than women’s.
- The Dollar Tree and Ocean State Job Lots is a big source to purchase inexpensive and warm items for the bags.
- You can buy items in bulk on the Dollar Tree website and have it shipped to the nearest store at no cost. All can be picked up when notified.
- Amazon is also a great source for items.
- If anyone would like to pick up a bag at my house and fill with items on their own that would be something they could do. I have had neighbors do this and have their grandchildren get involved with filling a bag or two with needed items. Getting them involved with community service is a wonderful learning experience. Just a suggestion for a neat project with them.
- Items can be dropped off at my door anytime. Ring my bell and hopefully I will be home to thank you for all donations. Love saying hello to everyone who stops by.
12/10/2022 THANKS from Phyllis Morris
Thank you to all the Hickory Woods residents who took part in the Nora’s Knapsack project for the homeless this year. It takes a team to accomplish what took place. A grand total, at last count, of 242 bags filled with beautiful hand crafted hats from the talented HW ladies, to wonderful matching scarves, hats and glove combinations, monetary donations used to purchase socks and extra scarves, along with help during the weeks prior organizing boxes and boxes of items at my home.
The group coming on packing day was amazing making the process of removing tags, sorting and filling the bags so efficient that we accomplished the job in under 2 hours. A very special thank you to those who came and removed the heavy boxes of donations from my home to the clubhouse. Thank you to Bob and Maryellen McGrath for delivering the knapsacks to the shelter.
A huge thank you to Scott MacConnell owner of Phoenix Screen Printing and Embroidery who is Nancy Mosher’s son for donating all the knapsacks again this year and to Nancy and Gary Mosher for making this possible.
Nora’s Knapsacks were delivered to New Horizons and Families in Transition to be distributed to the homeless in Manchester. A total of 50 were also given to the The Michael Stephen Boyd Foundation. This foundation is an outreach program that deals with homeless veterans. Michael Boyd was a marine sergeant who lost his life to addiction and was homeless when he returned from active duty abroad.
Thank you Hickory Woods for all you did to make a difference for so many.
12/7/2022 The final steps: Packing the bags and loading the boxes. A terrific group of elves got the job done.
Nora’s Knapsacks – Elf Crew
(l-r): Maryellen McGrath, Bob McGrath, Phyllis Morris and Tom Morris delivered 239 backpacks to New Horizons.
11/19/2022: Update from Phyllis Morris: Another week of donations dropped off for the
homeless to thank you all for. I appreciate everyone taking the time to stop by during what is surely a busy week for everyone. Any and all donations are appreciated. Gloves and scarves probably needed at this time to go with the many handcrafted hats. We are all set with snacks and toiletries.
The ladies craft day on Thursday is nothing short of amazing. I have been told that there are many beautiful handmade hats that have been created. What a wonderful gift this will be for those who have so little.
The packing date of Dec.7th is approaching and many have volunteered to come help at the clubhouse on that morning . The time is set for 9:00 and all we need is helping hands to make the process go quickly.
Thank you to everyone for all you do for this project.
11/12/2022: Update from Phyllis Morris: Wonderful donations continue to come in for the homeless. Needed items at this time to balance the bags are still the most asked for at the shelters and the homeless camps. They are warm hats, gloves and scarves.
I had the pleasure of stopping by the craft session on Thursday at the clubhouse where many were knitting and crocheting hats for Nora’s Knapsacks. I was so impressed with the talent and how many have been created in such a short time. So grateful for all the work. Gloves and scarves are needed to go with all the hats.
I want to thank those who left items on my front door step for this project. I wish I was here when you stopped by this week to thank you personally.
We will be filling the knapsacks on Wednesday Dec.7th at 9:00 at the clubhouse. Looking for volunteers that day to sort, take tags off, and organize all items to be placed in the bags.
Last year the Hickory Woods volunteers were amazing and handled all in less than 3 hours.
I am looking forward to that day as it was so rewarding and a lot of fun.
11/5/2022: Update from Phyllis Morris: This community is nothing short of amazing! You’re making such a difference for so many that need our help. We are well on track to fill 200 bags this year. Donations are coming in daily and the response is so heartwarming as the need for these has increased even more this year.
At this time we could use individually wrapped snacks and small size toiletries of any kind. Hats, gloves, and scarves are always needed. We can never have too many.
ALL items are needed as we will keep adding more bags as donations come in. I am already working on increasing our supply of bags as I know we will need them. More is always a good thing when helping the homeless. There are so many living on the streets that the demand is greater than ever.
Update on Nora’s Knapsacks:
From Phyllis Morris- Donations are coming in and we are on track to fill 200 bags as we did last year. We are about halfway there. Please set aside December 7th for packing the bags. I hope to be able to deliver the bags to the shelter on that day also. Volunteers on that day at the clubhouse will be needed and greatly appreciated.
* Still needed:
- Men’s gloves, hats, and scarves. (Most needed)
- Rain ponchos and toiletries.
- toothbrushes and toothpaste. Small sizes if possible.
- Men’s socks
- Women’s items
- Hand warmers and Mylar blankets. (We can always use more if donated.)
October 20, 2022: Update from Phyllis Morris
It is early in our collection for Nora’s Knapsacks and I have the need for everything that we put in the bags. Again the bags will be filled with:
- Socks
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Hats
- Snacks – individually wrapped
- Toiletries – small size
- Tooth brushes toothpaste (small size)
- Rain ponchos
- Hand warmers
- Mylar blankers
Special notes:
- We generally need more men’s items than women’s.
- The Dollar Tree and Ocean State Job Lots is a big source to purchase inexpensive and warm items for the bags.
- You can buy items in bulk on the Dollar Tree website and have it shipped to the nearest store at no cost. All can be picked up when notified.
- Amazon is also a great source for items.
- If anyone would like to pick up a bag at my house and fill with items on their own that would be something they could do. I have had neighbors do this and have their grandchildren get involved with filling a bag or two with needed items. Getting them involved with community service is a wonderful learning experience. Just a suggestion for a neat project with them.
- As of now I have tentatively set a date of December 7th to pack the bags at the clubhouse and box them for distribution. I will definitely need help with this project and hope that Team Hickory Woods will be there like last year. It was great! We filled 200 bags in less than 3 hours with all the helping hands.
- Items can be dropped off at my door anytime. Ring my bell and hopefully I will be home to thank you for all donations. Love saying hello to everyone who stops by.
October 8, 2022: Dropping off donations at 2 Church Lane
Donations may be left on the Morris’s porch at 2 Church Lane. Please attach your name in some way to your donated goods so that you can be properly thanked.
September 24, 2022: Nora’s Knapsack project is happening again this year.
From Phyllis Morris: I will start collecting items October 1st and will continue until the week before Thanksgiving. The bags will be filled and distributed the first week of December. I will have more information on this in the coming weeks.
The knapsacks are going to be donated for the project again this year. We filled 200 last year and I hope to fill as many this year as they are sorely needed by many. With the generous residents here at Hickory Woods I am confident this will happen.
Items needed are mostly the same as in the past:
- Scarves, gloves, hats, and socks are at the top of the list.
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, Mylar blankets and hand warmers are a plus also.
- Individually wrapped snacks are a bonus to the bags.
We fill bags for adults only with this project. The bags are distributed among the homeless living on the streets.
Contact me with questions pmtennis@myfairpoint.net I welcome any suggestions anyone may have in making this project a great success as it has been in the past.
12/10/2021 Delivering the bags to Families in Transition/New Horizons: (L-R) Gary Mosher, Tom Morris, Phyllis Morris and two volunteers from FIT.
12/21/2021 THANK YOU from New Horizons
Hello, friends at Hickory Woods,
I want to thank you for the fantastic donation of almost 200 Nora’s knapsacks! The packs are distributed to the homeless through our outreach team and case managers. These packs will be a great help to the homeless community in our area.
Thanks again, and Happy Holidays to you all!
Mary K. Silva Volunteer Manager
FAMILIES IN TRANSITION
394 Second Street, Manchester NH 03102
603.641.9441 | WWW.FITNH.ORG
12/17/2021 John Goglia wrote an article “Nora’s Dream” for the www.newsbreak.com website. John has a small request: If anyone would like to review it there I would encourage them to click on as a follower of my articles so that I can build up my base.
It’s a great article and very easy to leave a comment.
12/11/2021 Thank you from Phyllis Morris: Friday morning with the help of several neighbors we loaded all boxes packed with Nora’s Knapsacks to be delivered to the homeless shelter. Terry McDonough, Bob Doyle, Bob and Paula Zuccaro, and Gary Mosher were there to assist us in the move from the clubhouse to the vehicles. The final count this year after all was packed, a total 194 bags. Gary Mosher, my husband Tom and I were met at the shelter with many smiles as they unloaded the boxes for distribution there at the shelter. The shelter is currently filled to capacity with 140 beds. Nora’s Knapsacks will be given out as Christmas gifts to all. The remaining bags will be distributed along the encampments on the river banks and on the street.
We are so grateful for the enormous support that the residents here at Hickory Woods has given to this project. To all who donated and also gave their time, I want to thank you in a big way! Just look what we all accomplished and made possible this year. Your generosity was appreciated by so many! You made a difference in someone’s life. 
12/08/2021 Article in the Londonderry Times: Great PR for our community. The article is on the bulletin board in the clubhouse. You can also see it on the Londonderry Times webpage.
12/1/2021 Work Party! The HW Clubhouse was buzzing with workers — transporting donations, filling bags and packing the bags.
Tom and Phyllis Morris (front); Middle: Mary Doherty, Linda Kelly, Sue Orr, Emma Greenhalgh, Cathy McMullen, Lynn Doyle, Karen Quinn, Peggy Piekos; Back: Phyllis Englemann, Joan McCarthy, Denise Penaskovic, Priscilla McDonough, Terry McDonough, Bob Doyle, Ellen Kennett
UPDATE from Phyllis Morris 12/1/2021:
This morning went very well. 
We had no problems at all and it took only 1 and 1/2 hours to fill 187 bags. Yes 187! Amazing.
Scott MacConnell owner of Phoenix Screen Printing & Embroidery who is Nancy Mosher’s son donated 200 knapsacks. We had 28 boxes of essential items (all items donated by the wonderful community we live in).
They were transported from my house to the clubhouse by Bob Doyle, Terry McDonough, and Ken Penaskovic along with Tom. Could not have done that job without them.
Thirteen ladies appeared at the 
clubhouse and rolled up their sleeves: Mary Doherty, Linda Kelly, Sue Orr, Emma Greenhalgh, Cathy McMullen, Lynn Doyle, Karen Quinn, Peggy Piekos, Phyllis Englemann, Joan McCarthy, Denise Penaskovic, Priscilla McDonough, Ellen Kennett.
It was a meeting of great minds working together to get it done. All went very smooth and I feel everyone enjoyed the process. I am so grateful for my neighbors.
So many people will benefit from all the work that was done to make this
possible. At this time all is going to go to Families in Transition New Horizons. They have groups that will take them into the homeless camps and also keep some for walk ins that come to the shelter.
.
. 
11/13/2021: Update from Phyllis Morris:
- 9:00 AM on Dec. 1: 20 boxes to be transported from my house to the clubhouse. They are stored downstairs so a couple of able bodies to carry them up and bring them to the clubhouse. Should only take about 20 minutes and a couple of SUVs will do or a truck.
- 10:00 AM on Dec. 1: Filling the bags. If all goes smoothly, we can do this in about 2 hours – I will try my best to organize it all so that it will go quickly.
- 9:00 AM on Dec. 10: Help to load and deliver the boxes filled with Nora’s Knapsacks to New Horizons in Manchester NH. They have asked for that day for delivery and would like to give anyone a tour of the shelter if you would like.
Please contact me and let me know if you will be able to help on any of those times on December 1st and December 10: pmtennis@myfairpoint.net
11/7/2021 UPDATE from Phyllis Morris: The donations have been terrific. Of particular need right now are toothbrushes and toothpaste. THANK YOU! Also, we have enough socks, rain ponchos and socks.
10/30/2021 UPDATE from Phyllis Morris: We are still on track to fill the bags at the
clubhouse on Dec. 1st. Many have expressed a desire to help on that day. I am sorting all in boxes as they come in and will bring all to the clubhouse that day to fill bags.
.
I have had many donations to date. Right now I have enough of most items to fill 100 bags so I am in need of all items.
All and any items are always appreciated but we could use more:
- scarves. (Mostly mens)
- rain ponchos
- Mylar blankets Two neighbors bought these at Amazon and on eBay. These are perfect and could really be a life saving item to many on the streets. I have about 100 of these items and we hope to fill 150 bags this year.
Again, any and all items for the bags will all be put to use in a big way. Anybody can reach me at any time for questions. pmtennis@myfairpoint.net or 603-508-1718
10/6/2021 UPDATE from Phyllis Morris:
Collection for Nora’s Knapsacks has begun here in Hickory Woods. This is a project to accept donations for those in dire need.
The homeless population has grown and the need to help is greater than ever. Nora’s Knapsacks are filled with small daily needs as well as items to keep warm during the winter months. I find that most items can be found at the Dollar Store as they have a large assortment of travel sizes. Space is an issue with the homeless. They carry their whole world in these bags.
The bags will be delivered and distributed to Families in Transition New Horizons again this year. They are located in Manchester, NH. The knapsacks are given out to those living on the street and in homeless camps along the city.
Donations can be dropped off at my home at 2 Church Lane.
Cash donations? I have received checks made out to me in the past and what I have done is to make purchases for the needed items. I would be happy to do that if anyone is not able to get out to purchase the items for any reason.
Many here at Hickory Woods have offered to help with the project. I will hold a meeting at my home on Wednesday Oct. 13 at 10:00 AM. I will explain how I have gone about the project in the past and will welcome any suggestions on how to improve going forward. The biggest help is needed to fill the bags and delivery on a given day sometime the second week in December.
Items needed for the bags at this time: (Mens and Womens items)
Scarves
Hats
Gloves
Socks
Rain ponchos
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Combs
Hand warmers
Chapstick
Shampoo
Individually wrapped snacks
Zip lock bags
9/18/2021 From Phyllis Morris:
I will be filling Nora’s Knapsacks for the homeless again this year. For the past 2 years the residents of our development have been very generous in donating items to fill the knapsacks for many in need. There are so many that are less fortunate than I and helping them is very rewarding. This year the need is even greater.
This project has grown thanks to Hickory Woods and all who have contributed. Last year a few people offered to help with the project: gathering, sorting and filling the knapsacks before they are distributed by homeless shelters in the area. Because of Covid-19 I felt this would be unsafe in 2020.
I am hoping this year we will be able to gather with those who offered to help. If anyone would like to offer assistance with the project please contact me and we can set up a meeting to see how to go about the task. Thank you.
Read about the history of Nora’s Knapsacks.
UPDATE 1/20/2021 from Mary Silva, Volunteer Director of New Horizons
Hi, Phyllis and friends at Hickory Woods,
First, I want to say how impressed I am with the Nora’s Knapsacks’ donation and the extra goodies we received. Nora must have been a special person to inspire this kind of love. These bags are such a necessity for our programs to have on hand. I also want to congratulate you all for working on this project. Yours will be an example I will use when speaking to others about what can be accomplished when we work together in our community.
This past year has been challenging for all of us. Since the pandemic began, our organization has seen an even greater demand for services. Over the last few months, we bought and renovated a new building for our food pantry, renovated the old pantry space into shelter space for 40 more beds, and opened a winter shelter with 40 beds. Thanks to your help, FIT-NH can reallocate funds to support the new challenges our organization is facing. I wish you and yours at Hickory Woods a healthy and happy New Year.
With much gratitude,
Mary
Mary K. Silva
Volunteer Manager
Families in Transition-New Horizons
122 Market St.
Manchester, NH 03101
UPDATE 12/19/2020 from Phyllis Morris: Nora’s Knapsacks were delivered to the homeless shelter on Dec.14th in time to be distributed to many before the snowstorm. Thank you so much Hickory Woods, these will go a long way to keep someone warm this winter.
Picture:
Phyllis and Tom Morris, assisted by Nancy and Gary Mosher deliver Nora’s Knapsacks
THANK YOU from Phyllis Morris 12/13/2020:
I truly have no words, but will try!
The response to donations for Nora’s Knapsacks has been simply amazing. I have enough donations to fill 150 + knapsacks. They are filled with wonderful items that will surely bring smiles to those who are in dire need of everything. Warm hats, gloves, scarves, and socks along with toiletries and snacks for days, along with a knapsack to carry it all.
Some of you left items on my doorstep and I did not get a chance to thank you in person and those that I did meet was so brief. I want you all to know how much I appreciate your generous donations to this cause. It means so much to so many.
All will be given out the week of Dec.14th by the outreach program at Families in Transition New Horizons in Manchester. They are so grateful to the residents of Hickory Woods in a very big way.
A special thank you to Nancy Mosher of Pepper Hill for the help in transporting everything to Manchester.
I would like to extend our wishes to all for a very happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year.
Update from Phyllis Morris 11/29/2020:
The project goal is to have all donations by December 12th – 2 Church Lane. The bags will be going out to Families in Transition New Horizons in Manchester. They have an outreach program that will go along the river and distribute knapsacks to the homeless as well as those who stop in at the shelter. I will fill the knapsacks the weekend of the 12th and 13th with the help of my granddaughters and my daughter and her husband. Anyone can leave donations on my doorstep if I am not home. The biggest need right now is gloves and scarves. Although if I have more socks I will include 2 pairs in the bags as they can always use more than one pair. The response here has been tremendous. I am so blessed to live in this neighborhood!
From Phyllis Morris, 2 Church Lane:
We will be collecting for the homeless again this year!
Nora’s Knapsacks were distributed to the homeless shelter in Nashua last year and thanks to the Hickory Woods residents, we were able to help so many in need.
This year, the knapsacks will be going to the Manchester area. They are given out to adults, both men and women, who literally are homeless living on the streets with nothing but the knapsack we provide.
Items that are in great need are: NOTE – Phyllis will accept cash donations
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Hats
- Socks
- Individually wrapped snacks such as peanut butter crackers, granola bars
If you would like to donate some items they can be dropped off at my home at 2
Church Lane or I would be happy to pick them up.
We will be bringing them to Manchester to be distributed the week before Christmas.
Thank you so much in advance for anything that can help someone in great need.
Question: May I make a cash donation?
I have been asked that and have not done so in the past as I preferred anyone to purchase what they would like to put in the bags themselves. I think though that this year given the situation with the virus I would accept cash donations and then I would just purchase needed items for the bags on my own. This would make it easier in some ways as sometimes I need a few more scarves or hats or whatever to make the bags all even.
Some background information. Phyllis explained the project in November 2019:
My granddaughters decided to continue this up here in this area. Last year we put together 75 knapsacks and they went to the Lawrence area. We are hoping to do the same this year. They will go to the homeless shelter in Nashua. I thought that since this community collected for the soup kitchen on occasions that our neighbors might like to donate something for this project.
11/11/2020 
Londonderry Leach Library. Below is the list of book selections and meeting times for July – December 2024. Meetings are the third Monday of the month at 7 pm in the clubhouse. Please note that the December meeting will happen one week early to avoid Christmas activities.
The first annual Bob Doyle Golf Scramble was held recently.
The Mesiti Cup Golf Tournament between Hickory Woods, Cross Farmers and the Nevins was held at Windham Country Club on Wednesday, June 19th. This year the tournament was held in memory of Bob Doyle and for the benefit of Homeland Heroes Foundation. Although the final numbers aren’t in yet, we estimate $6,500 will be donated to benefit local veterans in need. Eighty golfers from the three communities and friends and family of the Doyles participated.
Dotty Pullo will teach you to paint a snowman bottle or glass block
If you would like to participate:
