Tri-County Donates Gifts to Local Charities

Students, faculty, and administrators at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School presented donated gifts to representatives from Y.O.U., Inc. and the Santa Foundation on Monday, December 21.

The Santa Foundation provided the school with the wish lists of those in need earlier this month. Then, Tri-County’s Career Programs, post-secondary programs, clubs, faculty and staff worked together to purchase all of the items on the wish list.

Donated gifts will be given to 16 children and adolescents in The Bridge Home Latency Program and The Bridge Home Adolescent Program of Y.O.U., Inc. of Worcester. The Tri-County community also donated toys, books, clothes, and other items for an additional 15 people from four Franklin area families.

The school's Holiday Gift Drive was organized by Tri-County SkillsUSA officers Joe Brown, of Franklin, Bill Galligan, of Medway, Shaina Flanagan, of Norfolk, Olivia Ryan and Amanda Merigo, of North Attleborough, Isabella Leonardi, of Plainville, Caitlin Tavares, of Seekonk, and Kiarah Porter and Caroline Aspinwall, of Walpole. SkillsUSA advisors Jane Baldi, Mark Chauvin, Amy DePasquale, and Tara Lane helped to coordinate the drive. SkillsUSA is a national professional organization for career and technical students.

Y.O.U., Inc. is a private, non-profit child welfare and behavioral health organization serving troubled and at-risk children, adolescents and families in Worcester County. The Santa Foundation was established 28 years ago by Franklin residents Bob and Elaine Sullivan. The foundation's goal is to provide gifts for families in need during the holidays. The Santa Foundation also helps families in need throughout the year.