Thunderbirds giving back to community with From the Heart Campaign

May 12, 2020 | Danielle Eaton
daniellee@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Thunderbirds are working to give back to the community, despite the remainder of their season being canceled.

Nathan Costa, president of the Springfield Thunderbirds, said the From the Heart Campaign first came about as a way to give back to essential workers. “We’re trying to do things that give back to the community. We’re trying to take care of people that are on the front lines, also take care of our partners,” he said.

The From the Heart Campaign was launched on April 29. The program began with $500 donations from the Thunderbirds Foundation to Holyoke Medical Center and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Costa said the food bank and medical center were chosen because of the way they have served the community during difficult times. “Food insecurity during this time is a serious issue and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is leading the charge to combat this across the region,” he said. “Holyoke Medical Center has also stepped up in a big way for the residents of Holyoke and has gone the extra mile in treating our Vets in the Holyoke Soldier’s Home. We are truly grateful for all these two organizations are doing for our community.”

With the money, the Holyoke Medical Center planned to purchase food for its medical staff, who have been working hard to care for coronavirus patients.

Costa said for 10 weeks following the kick off of the campaign, the Thunderbirds Foundation would donate “$500 worth of food.”

Costa said, “We have quite a few food and restaurant partners having a challenging time. We partnered with local restaurants, everybody we’re going to be buying food from is going to be a partner.”

Such partners include the 99 Restaurant & Pub; Buffalo Wild Wings; Theodore’s Booze, Blues & BBQ; Krazy Jake’s; Frigo’s Foods; Texas Roadhouse; Burger King; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Dunkin’ Donuts; and Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant.

The program will “feed essential workers at non-profits, medical facilities and public safety organizations,” according to a news release sent to Reminder Publishing. Costa said the foundation would deliver $500 worth of food each Thursday for 10 weeks. However, he emphasized that the food would not just go to healthcare workers, but a variety of front line workers.

“It’s not just healthcare, Springfield fire and police are on the list too,” he said.

Costa added that community members could also contribute to the cause should they so choose.   Those wanting to contribute to the campaign can visit https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3391100 or http://www.springfieldthunderbirds.com.

Costa said, ultimately, the campaign aims to thank those putting their health at risk. “There are a lot of people putting themselves out there and we want to thank them for doing that,” he said.

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