Wolverines View, presented by Dream Spa Medical: A Legacy of Local Care

I’m always moved by the spirit of the holiday season, when kindness and giving take center stage. Among the many organizations Westwood boasts dedicated to helping those in need, Westwood Community Chest has always stood out to me as a cornerstone of support in the community.

This small and mighty organization has been changing the lives of Westwood residents for decades. Westwood Community Chest (WCC) is a public charity that provides temporary financial assistance to support residents going through hardships. The organization is run by a volunteer board, and is funded by the support of private donors, and financial gifts from members of our community. The WCC offers countless opportunities to give back. You can help a senior citizen with their bills, or support a struggling family one dollar at a time. With its mission of ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors,’ WCC not only provides financial aid but also creates opportunities for the entire community to give back.

So let’s tackle it.

At its core, Westwood Community Chest exists to support Westwood residents when life takes an unexpected turn. From assisting struggling families facing overwhelming medical bills, assisting elderly people with tight budgets and rising utility bills, and providing parents with safe summer activities for their children through a “campership” program (a financial scholarship WCC grants to families in need looking to send their kids to a summer camp), the organization steps in to provide financial relief to those in need with discretion and empathy.

Along with WCC, Westwood also has a plethora of other assisting programs. While the WCC is the main focus of this article, it would be a shame not to mention all of Westwoods other amazing programs, such as the Fuel Assistance Program, Westwood Food Pantry, Westwood School Department bus fee waiver, in-town sports fee waiver, Westwood Youth & Family Services, and a Holiday Gift – Giving Program.

The Town of Westwood certainly does its part, but what about Westwood’s very own hub of intellectual growth and academic excellence, Westwood High School? The Key Club is a community service organization available to all WHS students and helps the community through student-led service projects, such as organizing food drives, creating care packages, plus volunteering within and outside the community. Their persistent efforts foster a culture of giving and compassion among Westwood’s younger generation.

As we turn the calendar to 2025, let’s embrace the spirit of giving and the power of our community. Westwood thrives on neighbors helping neighbors, so whether it’s supporting the WCC or volunteering time, actions, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect of kindness.