Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

PJB sees increased need from residents, looks for volunteers

Volunteers from Faith Community Church unload hundreds of gifts they collected for children in need at Project Just Because in November 2024. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

This year’s holiday season at Project Just Because was impactful for local families, according to executive assistant and volunteer coordinator Amy Hartland.

“Our Christmas program was a huge success,” said Hartland. “We got a ton of people.”

While the numbers are still coming in, Hartland noted that PJB managed to supply many local families with gifts this year. She reported that the charity saw more Hopkinton residents than in years prior, and that it was “flooded with calls and emails every day.”

Hartland added that PJB met this demand with help from community members through volunteering and donations.

“The community stepped up to help,” she remarked.

PJB now is focused on its next initiatives. Hartland noted that its annual Valentine’s program will kick off in a few weeks. The program provides gift backs for children between 2 and 12 years old that include things like stuffed animals, candy, toys and/or snacks.

Also coming up is the Spring Spectacular in April — PJB’s second largest fundraiser of the year, just behind its annual golf tournament.

In the meantime, need remains constant. Hartland said PJB’s food pantry supports about 950 families each week, and the nonprofit is in need of additional volunteers. It hopes to find volunteers for its afternoon shifts and Wednesday evening shifts. “We are looking for older teen/adult roles for the warehouse on Wednesdays,” Hartland stated in an email.

Volunteers for these shifts assist clients, restock shelves and help out with warehouse orders.

“It works out for anybody who gets out of work early,” said Hartland.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

A lawsuit filed by the victim in the indecent assault case against former Hillers Pizza owner Petros “Peter” Sismanis alleges negligence from the town and Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett created “foreseeable risk” and violated the victim’s due process rights.

Hopkinton High School girls basketball coach Mike Greco says the team puts “a massive premium” on culture and chemistry as it bonds off the court and plays well on it.

The latest Real Estate Transactions list shows just one home sold over the past week.

This week’s Library Corner features schedule updates, a tribute to Stephen Sondheim and midterms study hall for Hopkinton High School students.

Paul Goss, 70, of Hopkinton passed away Dec. 19.

Enter Stage Left Theater presents “Seussical Jr. The Musical” at Hopkinton Middle School Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

Town meetings tonight include the Commissioners of Trust Funds (5), Parks & Recreation Commission (5:30), Tax Relief Committee (6), Open Space Preservation Commission (7) and Economic Development Advisory Board (7).

Photo of the Day

A couple of trees lean sideways outside Hopkinton Middle School.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR