The Whooley Foundation, along with a donation by Steven and Alex Akian — owners of Watertown’s Akian Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning — provided over 95 full Thanksgiving meals to families in town this week.
The effort began four years ago when the Akians donated 10 dinners, said Lt. Ken Swift, who heads the Whooley Foundation. This year, 23 more families received meals than in 2024.
Swift called it a collaboration between the Police, City departments, community organizations, and Akian.
“We identify the families that are most need, and then we reach out to them, make sure they want it. And they’re purchased by Akian plumbing,” Swift said. “They buy them at Market Basket. They come with a fully cooked meal. It’s 90 percent cooked with all the fixings that can serve up to 10 people.”
The Whooley Foundation identifies the families with the help of the Watertown Public Schools, the Watertown Housing Authority, the Watertown Community Outreach, the Watertown Veterans Services Officer, and the Watertown Boys & Girls Club.
Watertown Police officers, and employees from the Watertown Schools and the Housing Authority help distribute the meals, Swift said.
The Whooley Foundation also coordinates the Holiday Gift Drive to make sure children have a gift at Christmas, an effort started by the late WPD Officer “Sonny” Whooley. See the wishlists by scanning the QR codes below.
