Local Heroes Continue Strong Tradition of Volunteerism

As the holidays approach, our thoughts often turn to loved ones who are far away. For the men and women bravely serving our country oversees, being away from family and friends over the holidays is, perhaps, one of the toughest sacrifices they are asked to make.

Here in Wilmington one very special organization, Local Heroes, was founded specifically to show these servicemen and women how much their dedication and sacrifices are appreciated. The story of Local Heroes is one of a small act of kindness that quickly led to another and, eventually, became the amazing undertaking that it is today.

Founder and President of Local Heroes, Lou Cimaglia, had recently returned from serving oversees in Desert Storm when he decided to send a package along to friends who had returned to fight for our country. Next, he sent another package to the niece of a friend who was serving. He continued to send packages overseas until, one day, a friend suggested that Cimaglia look into forming a non-profit.

Local Heroes was incorporated on November 3^rd, 2004 and a small group met on a Wednesday evening at the Wilmington  to prepare 12 packages to be sent overseas. The rest is, shall we say, history.

“Since that first Wednesday night we have not missed a week,” said Cimaglia. “The last time that Christmas fell on a Wednesday we simply changed to another night.”

The very first fundraiser for Local Heroes took place at the Wilmington/Tewksbury Thanksgiving Day Football Game in 2004 and brought in a total of $893 in donations. Since that time, Local Heroes has not stopped growing.

“Last year we spent $42,000 in postage alone,”  said Cimaglia, “And we have spent $4,000 on postage just in the past two weeks.”

Packages are sent to soldiers from all parts of the country and can contain almost anything imaginable.

“We have sent everything from golf clubs and pools to video games and microwaves,”  said Cimaglia, “Whatever they need we find a way to send.”

Of course, Local Heroes, is about a lot more than just packages and postage.  The group is also about volunteers coming together to support our troops as well as their families. 

“Volunteerism really is the life blood of Wilmington. The passion that this town has shown for Local Heroes is absolutely amazing,” said Cimaglia.

The volunteers who arrive at The each Wednesday are often a mixture of students, veterans, local clubs and organizations and, oftentimes, family members of those currently serving overseas. “Each week we get about 40–50 volunteers,”  said Cimaglia. “You just never know who is coming down.”

Cimaglia credits this army of volunteers with making Local Heroes a success. “I would like to thank all the volunteers, donors and especially my wife Marion,” said Cimaglia. “She works countless hours during the week to ensure the custom forms are filled out properly and the packages are properly addressed so the brave men and women receive their packages overseas.”

For families of those serving overseas, coming together to work as a team has multiple benefits. Their time together not only helps the troops but, at the same time, it helps those left behind cope with the separation and fear. As Cimaglia explained, “The thing I am the most proud of is that we also serve as a support group for families.”

While the weekly packages are the mainstay of Local Heroes, they are not its only mission. Another important factor for Cimaglia is supporting the families left behind. Local Heroes has helped families with everything from home repair issues, to yard work and even heating oil bills. Oftentimes, the group provides Christmas gifts for children of those serving and has helped many families get to hospitals such as Walter Reed when a loved one is receiving care.

As a 501(c) 3 non-profit, Local Heroes relies on donations and volunteers to continue their work and support servicemen, servicewomen and their families.  Founded and located in Wilmington Local Heroes is an incredible example of a local dream that, today, reaches far beyond Wilmington’s town borders. 

You can visit Local Heroes online or contact them by email at info@mass-localheroes.org, or by phone at 978-658-3000.  Donations can be mailed to Local Heroes, Inc., P.O. Box 536, Wilmington, MA 01887-0536.