BELMONT- Belmont’s own Amy Kirsch and Shana Wang, the founders of Belmont Helps, have received the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s annual Commonwealth Heroine Award. At a time of great and pressing need, Shana Wang and Amy Kirsch established Belmont Helps, which collected donations and coordinated programs to address needs all over Belmont. They have used donations to purchase mask-making materials and distribute masks, address food and grocery needs, and support Belmont restaurants. They have also aided Belmont and its surrounding communities through a variety of initiatives including ‘Restaurant Month’, a viral movement that encouraged people to eat local. In addition, Belmont Helps engaged countless volunteers, and in so doing brought people together in a common effort to help others at a time of unprecedented social isolation.
“Shana Wang stepped up this past year to provide immeasurable help to our community through her work organizing Belmont Helps” said Rep. Rogers. “Her tireless dedication during this past year has truly been vital for Belmont’s ability to navigate the pandemic Thank you Shana!”. Representative Dave Rogers chose to nominate Shana Wang not only for her work through Belmont Helps, but also for her efforts with the Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition.
Senator Will Brownsberger also announced the nomination of Belmont Helps co-founder Amy Kirsch. “Through the COVID pandemic, Amy Kirsch showed people how to help other people, connecting people who wanted to help with people who needed help” said Senator Brownsberger. “Her contribution is very very significant”.
The Commonwealth Heroines are women who do not make the news, but who do make a big difference in their communities. Thousands of women in every community of the state perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, and civic-minded spirit to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators who strive to protect and represent the interests of seniors, victims of violence, children, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. They are the very best that our communities have to offer.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women celebrated the eighteenth annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2021 virtually. MCSW hosted Commonwealth Heroines and Legislators in a zoom presentation that will provide opening remarks and a slideshow presentation of the Class of 2021. If you see Amy or Shana around town, please thank them for all of their good work.
Congratulations Amy and Shana!