Good Deeds: Helping those in need

By Guest

By Bill O’Donnell, Norfolk Register of Deeds

With the 2020 holiday season approaching, it is a time to reflect on an extraordinary year in our nation’s history. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected each and every one of us — some more severely than others. While travel has certainly been curtailed for most, many individuals and homeowners are continuing to do well financially. At the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, we know this because of the continuing strength shown in the local real estate economy. Houses are being bought and sold, and many are refinancing their mortgages to take advantage of low interest rates.

For many, it is indeed a time of thanks that so far, they have gotten through the pandemic unscathed. However, others have not been so fortunate. Families have had to bury loved ones who succumbed to the coronavirus. Others have lost their jobs and are struggling to pay for basic necessities, be it housing, medicine or food.

During the previous 14 years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds was proud to sponsor an annual food drive during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season. The response from the general public, our users and the staff of the registry was excellent. Non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries and paper goods, were donated and then delivered to different food pantries across Norfolk County.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold our annual food drive this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to close our building to the general public. There is no estimated time when the building will be reopened. We have done this out of an abundance of caution to protect our employees and improve the odds of staying open for the recording of land documents. Fortunately, we have continued to remain open while the pandemic has been ongoing and kept the Norfolk County real estate economy viable.

While we are not able to have our annual food drive, the needs of those less fortunate and those adversely affected by the coronavirus persist. The Greater Boston Food Bank estimates that one in eight residents of eastern Massachusetts, which includes Norfolk County, will experience food insecurity in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who are able, there is a way to help. Go to our website, and under the News and Events tab click on the Norfolk County Food Pantries sub tab. There you will find a list of all food pantries located in Norfolk County, including their contact information and web addresses.

We recognize that many individuals and families are struggling and just getting by. However, if you are able, a food donation to a local food pantry will go a long way to helping a neighbor in need. Any donation of a non-perishable food item, toiletry or paper goods item would be a great help.

As we wind down what has been a monumental year in all our lives, please remember those less fortunate. Throughout our nation’s history, Americans have always shown a willingness to lend a hand to a less fortunate neighbor. With the holidays approaching, there is no better time to show our humanity.

As register of deeds, I want to thank all Norfolk County citizens for the courtesies they have shown myself and registry employees. My wish to all is continued good health. Together, we will get through this pandemic. Be healthy. Be safe.

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