5 Things, August 21: Stoughton Man Working to Combat Homelessness, Poverty

"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Stoughton Man Part of 'Young Professionals Board' Helping to Combat Homelessness and Poverty

Christopher Vasquez of Stoughton, a senior tax analyst with Old Mutual, has been named to the "Young Professionals Board" for Solutions at Work, a Cambridge-based non-profit with the goal of breaking the "cycle of homelessness and poverty."

"Since its founding in 1989, the organization has provided homeless and low-income people with resources, opportunities, and partners that are needed to achieve self-sufficiency," a press release states. "Recently, a new generation of community-like-minded professionals in their 20’s and 30’s has joined the cause against homelessness and poverty. Through this group of people, Solutions at Work’s Young Professionals Board (YPB) was born."

According to the press release, Solutions at Work annually provides more than 6,000 people with children’s clothing, books, and toys; professional attire; moving services; computers; paid employment and professional development.

"The YPB is charged with engaging more young people in the efforts to fight homelessness," the release states. "Through the support of Solutions at Work’s Board of Directors and staff, the YPB has been working on developing ways to involve friends, colleagues, and the community in the work of the organization."

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2. Student Tours of Stoughton High

Student representatives from the Student Council and the National Honor Society will be providing tours to all new and incoming students on Tuesdays in August from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., according to the SHS website. No appointments are necessary.

The first day of the 2012-2013 school year in Stoughton for students in grades 1-12 is Wednesday, September 5, 2012 (after Labor Day). Teachers (Unit A) and nurses report the day before, September 4. Kindergarten starts September 7.

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3. Bingo at the Senior Center

The  will hold its weekly game of BINGO at 12:45 p.m.

4. Looking Ahead: Family Fun Day at South Shore Bank Stoughton Branch

(The following is a release from South Shore Bank):

South Shore Bank will hold a Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Bank’s branch at 1538 Turnpike Street in Stoughton, featuring magic shows, games, refreshments and giveaways.

At the Family Fun Day, kids can try their luck in a duck pond to win prizes, including one $250 certificate toward the opening of a new 529 college savings plan at The Investment Center at South Shore Bank.  All attendees will receive a $50 certificate toward the opening of a new 529 plan at The Investment Center at South Shore Bank.

The South Shore Bank Family Fun Day is free and open to the public. For more information, call 781-337-3000.

5. Reminder: Thursday is Food Pantry Day in Stoughton

Stoughton resident Peg Carbone continues her effort to curb hunger in Stoughton, personally picking up donations for the food pantries every Thursday.

Here's a note from Peg: "I pick up non perishable food and also household items every Thursday, anywhere in Stoughton and deliver them to the food pantry. Please tell your friends and neighbors. One item, one bag or several, and I will pick them up every Thursday."

Haven't called to arrange a pickup? It's not too late. Call Peg at 508-889-1385 or send an email to peg.carbone@comcast.net.