In Your Shoes Presents Over $5,000 to Two Local Organizations

Staying true to its mission of being a giving circle, In Your Shoes (IYS) presented checks to two local organizations last night. The Westborough Food Pantry and were on hand to accept $2,700 each.

"We can't thank you enough," said John Badenhausen, Director of Westborough Youth and Family Services. "And I know the kids from our Hot Summer Nights program will thank you, too. This will really make a difference for our summer program."

Westborough Youth and Family Services is currently in the middle of their "Buy a Bus" campaign to bring back the popular field trips that had to be eliminated last year due to budget cuts. Bus trips to Hampton Beach, Six Flags, New England Aquarium and the Providence Place Mall receive rave reviews.

"These bus trips allow the kids to make new friends and become comfortable with supervisors, while motivating them to stay connected. It's a great chance for them to gain responsibility and independence in a supervised and safe environment. Right now, we're about three-quarters of the way there with our fundraising. We're hoping more community members will see the value of this program and pitch in to make it happen."

Also on hand last night were Ginny and Harry Lindsay from the food pantry. They were equally delighted to receive their check from IYS. Without one of their major fundraisers that brought in around $10,000, they will be seeking help from other sources this year.

IYS, a non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance to Westborough residents in need, was happy to step up. "This is what IYS is all about," said Terry Gavin, IYS co-president. "We want Westborough people and organizations to know they can turn to us when they help."

While thanking IYS, Badenhausen was quick to add how much fun he had plunging last year. IYS members were just as quick to invite him back for this year's Polar Plunge, slated to be held December 3, 2011.