Foxborough Coronavirus: YMCA Collecting Food Donations

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Hockomock Area YMCAs in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro are closed, but this hasn't stopped them from trying to help others get food as the new coronavirus creates challenges in people's everyday lives.

Martha Foley, the YMCA's communication director, said staff are working with school nutrition departments and community partners to ensure that children and families have meals while schools remain closed. The YMCA has already collaborated in North Attleboro and Milford to provide take home meals to serve children and families. In just four days, more than 2,200 grab and go meals were distributed. No advanced paperwork or signup is required.

The Hockomock YMCA is also coordinating food drive collections outside branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro. Non-perishable foods can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday.

"Our Y will continue to be a force of good in these difficult times" Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA said in a statement. "We encourage those who are able to provide contributions of non-perishable foods to do so at any of our Hockomock Area YMCA branches."

Through these food collections, beginning next week the staff will be distributing a family-size food bag at its branches in Foxboro, North Attleboro, and Franklin.

Details and schedules are available on the Y’s website at www.hockymca.org and will be updated daily.

Hurley acknowledged the many local businesses and organizations who have already joined in these efforts.

"CVS Health, Stop & Shop, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Captain Kyle Van De Giesen Award fund have stepped up with generous financial contributions in this time of need," Foley said. "Challenging times often brings out the best in people. Please know that our Y is committed to being there for our members, our staff and our community."

Additional information on these food distribution and collection efforts in the community, as well as suggested donation items, are available at hockymca.org.

If you are interested in providing monetary donations, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org or 508-643-5265.