Mission

Deja New’s mission is to serve the people of Leicester by supporting local charitable organizations and families in need.


How We Help Our Neighbors

Deja New is a group of volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in our community. Our goals are to:

  • Pay household bills for families in crisis including rent, taxes, utilities, and transportation costs.

  • Assist families during emergencies.

  • Sponsor targeted fundraisers to help families purchase one-time necessities. Support local charitable organizations such as Hearts for Heat.

  • Support local charitable organizations such as Hearts for Heat.

  • Provide free rides to non-emergency medical appointments via our Deja New Rides program.

  • Lend medical equipment including transport chairs, wheelchairs, knee scooters, shower seats, walkers, and raised commodes.

  • Connect Leicester residents with local, state, and federal social services such as food pantries, housing assistance, and emergency resources.

  • Provide students with internships to help them develop vocational skills and hearts for service.


How We Raise Funds

Deja New raises funds in four ways:

  • Unique Marketplace - We sell gently used furniture, home decor, plants, children’s new clothing and toys, and items crafted by local artisans.

  • Targeted Fundraisers - We sponsor fundraising campaigns to purchase necessities that families generally would not be able to afford.

  • Grant Writing - We write several grants per year that fund specific projects and ongoing operations.

  • Cash and In-Kind Donations - We are so fortunate to have generous donors who provide cash that is always put to good use and in-kind items to sell in the shop.


Our Board of Directors

The Deja New Board of Directors consists of a group of women who are passionate about serving others. Click on the images to learn more.


Great news!

Deb Antanavica has been named the Patriots Difference Maker of the Week! Between her work at Deja New and Hearts for Heat, she personifies volunteerism, and the Patriots Foundation agrees. Check out the award ceremony, the press release, and a great article by clicking on the links below. Congratulations, Deb!

To see the virtual award ceremony, click HERE!

To read the press release, click HERE!

To read an article in the Spencer New Leader, click HERE!


Non-Profit Organization

On August 28, 2020, Deja New Leicester, Inc. became incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. We received tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Tax Code on October 27, 2020. Our Employer Identification Number is 85-2381079. We are a 100% volunteer organization.