Last year, Westfield resident Syed Haq witnessed a young boy in a grocery store who was told by his mother that they couldn’t afford his favorite food.
Syed was so touched by this family’s struggle that he decided to take action to help local families who are in need.
As a graduate of Westfield’s Citizen’s Police Academy, Syed was able to turn to Sergeant Steve Dickinson and the Westfield Police Department for help. He is now about to use their name to back and support his fundraising.
Last year Syed, along with this wife, decided that a good goal for donations would be around $500. They wanted to have big results, but also be realistic in their numbers.
The couple then made thousands of fliers which were delivered door to door, waited with collection boxes at local businesses, and asked anyone they came across to help.
When all was said and done, they raised ten times their original goal. Over $5,000 in cash and food donations were collected by caring members of Westfield and surrounding towns.
Although last year’s fundraiser was such a success, this year, Syed plans to “build a team with the community”, and get as many people from the area as possible to learn about his efforts and help out.
A general interest meeting is planned for tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m.at the Westfield Police Station at 15 Washington Street for those who want to volunteer.
The 2011 fundraiser and collection day will be Saturday, December 17, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the following Westfield locations:
- Little River Plaza near the Dunkin Donuts
- 126 Glenwood Drive
- 187 Munger Hill Road
- 79 Liberty Manor Condominiums
- TD Bank on Main Street
- Pilgrim Candle on Union Avenue
- Noble Hospital in the cafeteria
- Gigi’s Pizza at 358 Southwick Road
All donations (non-perishable items or cash) will go towards the Westfield Community Table Soup Kitchen on Meadow Street.
If you would like to help out, or if you have further questions, you can contact Syed at 413-454-3076 or email him at [email protected]
