For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Police Department to Collect Gifts for Christmas in July Fundraising Campaign

GROVELAND — Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen is pleased to announce that the Groveland Police Department is working with A.W. Chesterton Company during its Christmas in July fundraiser to benefit Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center.

Collection boxes have been set up at the Groveland Police Station, and Chesterton, based in Groveland, where residents are encouraged to drop off new and unwrapped toys from now until July 31.

The initiative was first started three years ago by 11-year-old Noelle Gregoire, of Haverhill, who at the age of 5 was diagnosed with dysplastic spondylolisthesis, a rare spinal condition. During her visits to Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, she would receive small gifts as a reward for completing procedures and achieving milestones in her treatment.

After one particular visit, Gregoire noticed the gifts were depleting. Since they were all donations, mostly from hospital staff, there would be none left once they were gone. Not wanting to deprive any other child of the same experience she received, Gregoire decided to raise money to ensure no patient went without a gift. She is now in her third year of fundraising and has collected just over $3,000 of her $5,000 goal.

Two years ago Chesterton got involved in the endeavor, setting up toy collection boxes at their Groveland site. Additionally, the company created an Amazon Wish List page for residents to easily order gifts, which will then be sent to the Chesterton office.

After learning about the fundraising campaign from Chesterton, Groveland Police immediately jumped at the opportunity to get involved and support a worthwhile cause.

“We are honored to work with Noelle and Chesterton to help patients of Tufts Hospital receive a small reward for their bravery during treatment,” Deputy Gillen said. “We encourage all who can to support Noelle by dropping off an unwrapped toy to the station.”

Those who would like to drop off a toy can do so at the Groveland Police Station, 181 Main St., or at Chesterton Company, 860 Salem St. Board games, dolls, building toys, art supplies, puzzles, action figures and coloring books are suggested.

To support Gregoire’s fundraising efforts, donate to her Go Fund Me page here.

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