“Food security is fundamental to everything we do. When our young people are properly nourished, they can focus on their academics, engage in our programs, and truly thrive. This initiative is about more than just providing food – it’s about creating the conditions for success.”
—Robert Lewis, Jr., Nicholas President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
In a powerful display of community action, over 200 volunteers gathered at the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club in early December for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s (BGCB) annual Edgerley Family Day of Service. Together, we assembled an unprecedented 3,000 bags of nutritious food for distribution to families across BGCB’s eight clubs and its YouthConnect program.
The event honors Sandy and Paul Edgerley’s more than 30 years of transformative leadership to BGCB and continues their legacy of fostering meaningful community impact. This is a critical time, as recent data from Project Bread reveals that 22.9% of Massachusetts households with children face food insecurity, with nearly 18% of all households in the state reporting challenges in accessing adequate nutrition.
“Food security is fundamental to everything we do,” said Robert Lewis Jr., BGCB’s Nicholas President and CEO. “When our young people are properly nourished, they can focus on their academics, engage in our programs, and truly thrive. This initiative is about more than just providing food – it’s about creating the conditions for success.”
The day’s success was made possible through crucial partnerships with the Star Market Foundation and Hydro Quebec Energy Services. Justin Brunelle from Star Market Foundation and Ben Dudley from Hydro Quebec Energy Services joined BGCB board members, staff, and volunteers in this community-wide effort to support Boston and Chelsea families.
The day’s impact was underscored by Gabrielle Witham, BGCB’s Director of Healthy Lifestyles. “At BGCB, we’re changing these statistics through comprehensive programs that go beyond emergency assistance. From our daily prepared meals to our teen food zones and garden programs, every initiative reflects our belief that access to healthy food is a fundamental right.”
Volunteers filling bags at Edgerley Family Day of Service
“This day exemplifies what’s possible when a community comes together,” noted Lewis. “From our corporate partners to our dedicated volunteers, everyone showed up today with one goal: ensuring our families have access to nutritious food during the holiday season.”
As volunteers worked assembly-line style to pack thousands of bags, the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club buzzed with energy and purpose. Board members worked alongside staff members, corporate partners, and community volunteers, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines BGCB’s approach to creating meaningful change. Each bag contained essential nutritious items aimed at supporting families during the holiday season.
For BGCB, the Edgerley Day of Service represents more than just a single day of impact – it’s part of a comprehensive strategy to support the whole child and family. By addressing fundamental needs like food security, BGCB continues its mission of enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential.
The packed bags have been distributed across all BGCB locations, ensuring that families throughout Boston and Chelsea have access to nutritious food during the holiday season.
Milestones of Impact
- 200+ Volunteers: A record turnout of individuals dedicated to the cause.
- 3,000+ Bags Packed: Each filled with nutritious items to support families across BGCB’s eight Clubs and YouthConnect.
- 23,000+ Pounds of Groceries: Generously donated by partners like Star Market Foundation and Hydro Quebec Energy Services.
Special thanks to all the volunteers, community partners, and sponsors who made this day of service possible. A special note of gratitude to Jack and Jill of America’s Boston Chapter, whose remarkable turnout of over 70 volunteers demonstrated their deep commitment to our mission, building on their national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and their year-round support of BGCB.
