Legislators turn from politics to volunteerism during holidays

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As the Legislature wraps up formal business this week, many House and Senate members are planning to spend some of the month-long recess volunteering for their favorite local causes.

“This is the time for giving, there are families in need,” said Rep. Stephen LeDuc, D-Marlborough. “We participate year in and year out with a lot of different causes and we do it without a lot of fanfare.”

LeDuc and Sen. Pam Resor, D-Acton, are collecting food, toiletries and phone cards for the troops.

Packages can be dropped off at the State House, Resor’s Acton office and the Assabet Valley Technical High School through Dec. 7.

Rep. Tom Sannicandro, D-Ashland, will help run a holiday dance for Teen Inclusion Club Inc., an organization he and his wife created to provide social activities for teens of all abilities.

Rep. Thomas Stanley, D-Waltham, will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

“It’s important for those of us who have been blessed with good fortune to offer a helping hand to those who need help in our communities,” said Rep. Pam Richardson, D-Framingham.

On Dec. 7, Richardson will lend her hands to a hot lunch for single homeless adults hosted by the Greater Framingham Community Church and United Way.

"I visit all the senior centers throughout my district before Thanksgiving and try to find time to volunteer for Meals on Wheels,” said Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, who serves in the National Guard.

“I am also thankful to my colleagues in the military who are away from home during the holiday season as they work to keep us safe.”

For some, local football games are an annual tradition.

“I really enjoy taking in at least one high school football game,” said Brown, who looks forward to the King Philip-Franklin High School game or watching his alma mater, Wakefield High School.

“The single most important event occurs at 10 a.m. at Memorial Field when the Natick Redmen annually trounce on the Framingham Flyers,” said Rep. David Linsky, D-Natick.

Linsky stakes 12 Casey’s Diner hot dogs against Richardson’s bet of Framingham Baking Co. pizza on the game.

“I always win,” said Linsky, who also serves food to his constituents at the Natick Senior Center holiday banquet.