Your Guide to One Boston Day 2018
Find out how you can give back this Sunday.
Image provided.
Three years ago, Mayor Marty Walsh declared April 15 One Boston Day, a day that commemorates the resiliency and strength demonstrated by Bostonians in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. If you want to take part in this new annual tradition, but aren’t sure where to start, browse our list below to find a way you can make a difference this Sunday ahead of the 2018 Boston Marathon.
Donate Gently Worn Sneakers
To benefit their Fresh Threads department, which distributes 3,000 pairs of shoes every year, the St. Francis House will be hosting a shoe drive throughout the day on April 16. Collection bins will be located throughout Boston, including the third or fourth floor of City Hall Plaza. Not sure what to bring? They’re looking for brand new to lightly used shoes that are clean and “ready to wear”, and there’s a particular demand for men’s large sizes.
Multiple locations, donations accepted through April 16, St. Francis House, 39 Boylston St., stfrancichouse.org
Free Admission for First Responders at the Museum of Fine Arts
Providing a place of inspiration and reflection, the Museum of Fine Arts will commemorate One Boston Day with “Boston Strong” banners on its Huntington Avenue façade and offer free admission to all active first responders (EMTs, firefighters and police officers) and their families. First responders are asked to show valid ID upon arriving.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 465 Huntington Ave., mfa.org
Donate Blood
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Do your part by participating in Dana Farber and Brigham Women’s Blood Drive in their Blood Mobile at Copley Square or at the Boston Strong Blood Drive hosted by Boston 25 and the American Red Cross at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.
799 Boylston St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dana-farber.org or 39 Dalton Street, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., redcrossblood.org
Honor Martin Richard
Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the marathon bombings, loved participating in his local neighborhood clean up day. To honor his memory, the Martin Richard Foundation will be beautifying 13 different spots all over Dorchester on Sunday. The afternoon will conclude with a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. in Peabody Square, in remembrance of the bombing victims.
Pre-registration required, multiple locations, morning shift: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., afternoon shift: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., moment of silence at the Peabody Square clock at 2:49 p.m. martinrichardfoundation.org
Operation Thank a Veteran
With the goal to reach out to the more than 22,000 veterans who call Boston their home, the city needs your help. This month, on One Boston Day, sign up to visit veterans in Jamaica Plain and Roxbury to deliver special care packages and show gratitude to those who have served.
9:30 a.m., 1542 Columbus Ave., Roxbury, boston.gov
Listen to Boston Strong Music Presented by the New England Conservatory
To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing, the New England Conservatory will feature a student-led show with a mix of short pieces, spoken word, and performances spanning jazz, classical, and roots music. The program is free and no ticket is required.
3 p.m., Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury Street, necmusic.edu
Dine and Donate
Make OAK Long Bar + Kitchen your Sunday brunch spot this weekend. For each check, they will donate $1.22 to Community Servings, a local non-profit food and nutrition program providing services throughout Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses.
10 a.m.-3 p.m., 138 St. James Ave.
Take a Trip to the Attleboro Art Museum
Featuring more than 200 sneakers from a memorial created after the 2013 Marathon Bombings, the exhibition “A Long-Distance Relationship: The 26.2 Mile Journey” explores the endurance and strength of distance runners and commemorates the bombing with visual art in all mediums. The exhibit opened April 10 and continues through May 5.
86 Park St., Attleboro, attleboroartsmuseum.org
Share your Volunteer Story
In the 26.2 days leading up to One Boston Day, join the conversation with hundreds of other volunteers on social media with the hash tag #milesofgood to share what volunteering means to you and the many ways you help your community. The organization will share posts and inspiring stories from volunteers and three of the most shared and liked posts will have the chance to win a $100 prize.
For more information on the day’s events, visit onebostonday.org.
