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Health & Fitness

Spirit of Patriotism at Our Candy Drive

The spirit of patriotism was running high, just in time for Veteran’s Day! Children sang the National Anthem, and we had a moment of silence for those serving overseas. Everyone was waving around handheld flags with big smiles on their faces.This year’s Candy Drive was a great success, and we are proud to say we have collected even more candy than last year: over 7340 pounds so far—and the candy is still pouring in!  This weighs more than a Humvee! The candy will be sent as care packages with carepacks.org to the troops overseas as a sweet reminder of home.

We were joined by so many wonderful people and organizations! We had the National Guards come out, along with a Humvee! We were also joined by some Veterans, who served as an amazing reminder for everything our troops do for us. We also had Chief Cunningham and the Wellesley Police Department, along with Chief DeLorie and the Wellesley Fire Department—everyone who keeps us safe! All the local public schools were represented, and a lot of children and school principals came personally as well. Even local businesses and organizations came to drop off candy and show their support!

The Wellesley Public Schools had a little contest to see which school could collect the most candy. The winner was Upham School, whose PTO was awarded with a $500 check, and second and third place went to Hardy School($250) and Sprague School ($100), respectively. Our World War II Veterans Lindsay Ellms and Pete Jones were honored. Wellesley Celebration Committee was also represented by Carl Nelson and Pete Jones. Thank you to Roy Switzler for your help and support.

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It is heart warming to see the whole town come together in the spirit of giving. The Wellesley Fire Department and Wellesley Police Department, along with the National guards supporting the town-wide initiative to support the troops. All Wellesley Public Schools participated with many private and neighboring town schools.

 At the letter writing table, kids and adults both had an opportunity to write a personal note or card to send along with the candy to our troops. We imagine that these kind words of love and support will be even sweeter than the candy!

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 It has been so touching to see the message of health and giving being spread across our community. We really could not have done it without everyone’s help, and we want to thank everyone who participated! And lastly, a big thank you to the Wellesley Dental Group team that put in the hard work to make our Candy Drive such a success!

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