Treats for Troops ran successfully and was a rewarding initiative for Brandi Jacobs, senior membership experience director at the Franklin Y—who launched the community-wide effort. “Many times, following Halloween, the Y gets inquiries about sharing extra candy with soldiers. The Y has historically been happy to do so, however shipping costs can add up and that can be an obstacle toward pulling off such a drive.”
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| an astonishing 2,258 pounds of candy–in 102 boxes |
The Hockomock Area YMCA, with facilities in Franklin, Foxboro and North Attleboro, has 31,000 members as well as meaningful partnerships within the fifteen communities served. So when Jacobs enrolled on Halloween Day to become a Soldiers’ Angels drop-off site, she guessed there would be no shortage of donations.
“In the end, our collective purpose to provide comfort to those who serve meant we would find a way to cover shipping costs and deliver donations where they would have the most impact. The fact that there is a national nonprofit, Soldiers’ Angels, that coordinates volunteers with the mission that no soldier goes unloved was instrumental in moving us in the right direction,” said Jacobs.
Shortly after sharing the drive’s goals and drop off locations, the Y received a call from radio host Ray Auger, intent on publicizing the drive over the 101.3 FM network. Donations following the November 8 radio interview with Jacobs poured in, including from the following: members of the YMCA, community members, Dell Technologies, Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School in Blackstone, Dudley Elementary School, and The Franklin Lion’s Club through their collection across Franklin public schools.
On November 19, an astonishing 2,258 pounds of candy–in 102 boxes–was loaded onto a truck headed to Stratton VAMC/Voluntary Service in Albany, NY. A sincere thank you goes out to Marine veteran Jeff Harris, owner of LBP Solutions of Foxboro, who offered to rent a truck and drive the candy to its destination.
Although the gesture of donating excess candy may seem small, it is a wonderful way to remind our men and women in the Armed Forces, as well as veterans of all eras, that we are all thankful for the services and sacrifices they have provided for our country and our families.
About Hockomock Area YMCA:Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.
About Soldiers’ Angels:Soldiers' Angels is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families, and the growing veteran population. Founded in 2003 by the mother of two American soldiers, hundreds of thousands of Soldiers' Angels "Angel" volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways. (Tax ID# 20-0583415). Learn more at www.soldiersangels.org.
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