Foundation Honoring Former Police Officer Collecting Gifts for Kids

Each year, the Whooley Foundation gathers gifts to make sure that no child in Watertown goes without a present during the holidays. The Watertown Police Department sent out the following announcement:

The Whooley Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in the memory of John “Sonny” Whooley a Watertown Police Officer, resident, father and husband. He loved the community and served it for over 30 years as a Watertown Police Sergeant. He always had a special place in his heart for those less fortunate than himself. He would always strive to make others just a little happier during the holidays.

Watertown Community Foundation Hands out $12K in Health Grants

More than $12,000 in grants went to organizations working to make Watertown a healthier place, and will fund efforts to stop substance abuse, a school gardening program and more

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) Board of Directors has awarded $12,550 in “Healthy Watertown” grants funded by Tufts Health Plan Foundation to the following organizations serving Watertown. Improbable Players: A grant to continue alcohol and drug abuse prevention education for the 6th grade students at Watertown Middle School. Watertown Health Department and Live Well Watertown: A grant to help implement an after school wellness program that prepares high school students to educate and empower middle school students to make healthy lifestyle choices when enter high school. Watertown Health Department and Watertown Police Department: A grant to help fund a substance abuse task force coordinator to raise awareness of substance use disorder in the community and further goals of prevention and education, and support, intervention, treatment and recovery. Watertown High School Counseling and Academic Program: A grant for transportation so WHS students with emotional and behavioral disabilities can attend tours at two nearby colleges.

Donate to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots at the Watertown Mall

This holiday season, the Watertown Mall will host a distribution center for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The Mall sent out the following information:

From November 17-26, drop off toys in the mall office, located near the RMV. From Nov. 27-Dec. 15, drop-off bins will be located at Santa’s Village, near Carter’s and Target.

Belmont Savings Foundation Gives Boys & Girls Club Big Donation

The Watertown Boys and Girls Club received a large donation from the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation. The foundation gave the Boys and Girls Club a $10,000 donation this week. The money will support the club’s Power Hour Education Program, a homework help and tutoring program for Club members ages 6 to 18. The grant is a result of winning a voting program held in Watertown by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, according the bank announcement

Watertown Insurance Agency Hopes for Record Toys for Tots Haul

During this holiday season, the joy of giving and receiving gifts is what drives the cheer and community of Watertown, but not everyone is so fortunate. That is why Toys for Tots was created, which has been able to distribute over 469 million toys to children thanks to the help of kindhearted people all over the country. Every year, H & K Insurance Agency, Inc., in Watertown, has participated in a local Toys for Tots drive. Last year was its best toy-raising year to date, almost doubling the previous year’s donation, and with help from the community H & K hopes to increase it yet again, H & K announced. That is where the local community comes in.

Lexus of Watertown Sponsors Fundraising Campaign to Fight Breast Cancer

Throughout the month of October, Komen Massahusetts partnered with Lexus of Watertown to encourage local gentlemen to step up and become a champion for the cause. The Susan G. Komen Massachusetts inaugural Pink Tie Guys reception was held this month at the Algonquin Club of Boston, Lexus of Watertown announced. Pink Tie Guys demonstrate their commitment by raising a minimum of $1,008 for Komen Massachusetts, representing the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. As a proud sponsor of the Pink Tie Guys campaign, Lexus of Watertown made a $25 donation to Komen MA for each test drive done at their dealership, and also matched any donation made on-site or online. Over 30 local Pink Tie Guys, including Vincent Liuzzi, General Manager of Lexus of Watertown, was recognized at the reception and presented an exclusive Susan G. Komen pink tie to symbolize their commitment and support.