GRANVILLE – A ninth grade student at Southwick Regional School is hosting a community-based event on Saturday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at The Gran-Val Scoop. The 9/11 Remembrance Day Donation Drive will be taking place in order to honor active duty members of the military as well as veterans and military members who have passed away or killed in action.
Ruby Francis, a ninth grader at the Southwick Regional School and Granville resident, is organizing the event as part of her third service project. As a member of Project 351, it’s required that all members complete three service projects. Francis had prior service projects in the winter and spring.
Francis (right) is seen with fellow Project 351 ambassador and Southwick Regional School classmate Nora Reilly (left). (WNG File Photo)
A non-profit and youth-driven service organization, Project 351 allows students throughout Massachusetts to make a difference in their community. Project 351 was first launched by former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick in 2011, and is now continued by Gov. Charlie Baker. Every town in the state is required to have a student be selected for Project 351 to represent their community.
According to Francis, the event will allow families to send care packages to their loved ones who are on active duty. The wish list items that Francis is hoping to have donated at the event are: Instant powdered drink mixes (instant coffee, lemonade, Gatorade), Bubble gum or chewing gum, Batteries: AA or AAA, All purpose wipes, Deodorant, Foot powder, Hand warmers, Knit or crocheted scarves or hats, Jerky, Lip balm, Pencils, Playing cards, Puzzle books, Sewing kits, Socks, Sunscreen, Small plush toys and Cool ties among others.
Along with the wish list items that will be in the care packages, people in attendance on Saturday will be able to make a greeting card. Francis noted that people who donate will receive a free ticket for a kids-sized ice cream cone at The Gran-Val Scoop.
Having the opportunity to select any type of service project, an event for the military is one that’s close to Francis and her family. Francis’s uncle, Travis Fuller, was a Marine and died in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2005 while taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I know what it’s like to be in a family who has lost someone,” said Francis.
Since Fuller’s death, the community of Granville and beyond has kept Fuller in their memory. The former Granville Village School named their gymnasium after Travis Fuller. This past May, Southwick Regional School held a ceremony to unveil the Veterans Memorial Foyer that includes Fuller and three other fallen heroes who either lived or went to school in Southwick.
Francis’s mother, Jenny, couldn’t have been more touched by the support over the years.
“My mom really appreciated how accepting and supportive our town has been,” said Francis.
This Saturday’s service project for Francis will mark the end of her year as an eighth-grade ambassador. After concluding your time as an eighth-grade ambassador, the student has the option to be an alumnus of Project 351 in ninth grade. Francis plans to be a part of the alumni and help other students with their service projects.
