WooSox Foundation Embarks on 2024 “Thank You Care-A-Van”

September 23, 2024 – International League (IL)
Worcester Red Sox News Release

Only a day after the Worcester Red Sox concluded the 2024 baseball season, the WooSox Foundation embarked on its fourth annual “Thank You Care-A-Van” on Monday, September 23. A symbol of its philanthropic mission, the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, has been the mode of transportation for the Foundation’s social justice pillar since its creation in 2020.

This year, the WooSox Foundation was joined by Smiley Ball and three volunteers from the Foundation’s “Dreammakers” program on the Care-A-Van’s charitable tour through the Heart of the Commonwealth. The team contributed to St. Peter’s Food Pantry, Doherty Memorial High School, Juniper Outreach Foundation’s food pantry at Elm Park Community School, and Abby’s House in Worcester.

“The Thank You Care-A-Van is such a great way for us to get out and meet the community where they are,” Community and Public Relations Coordinator Katie Siegle said. “I’m so happy to be part of a team that is so committed to supporting those who support us all season.”

For their first stop, the Care-A-Van visited St. Peter’s Food Pantry located next to Clark University. Providing a balanced diet to Worcester residents who experience food insecurity, St. Peter’s serves over 200 families every Wednesday–with the number growing each week.

In early July, the WooSox Foundation made their first contribution to St. Peter’s after WooSox shuttle driver Phil Niddrie made the connection. On Monday, the Foundation doubled down on their initial donation, providing milk, eggs, cereal, and canned goods to the food pantry.

The Care-A-Van then traveled to the newly built Doherty Memorial High School on Highland Street in Worcester. The original school building, which opened in 1966, was reconstructed in 2024 to include modern amenities for its students.

With an enrollment of nearly 1,400, the school provides clothing, food, and urgent care for students who come from low-income households. In support of their mission, the WooSox Foundation donated various food items, sweatpants, and long-sleeved shirts to the school’s inventory.

During their visit, Smiley Ball had some fun in the school’s cafeteria, taking pictures and eating lunch with students. Several of Doherty Memorial’s students even thanked the WooSox–gifting the Foundation with two handmade posters.

After departing Doherty Memorial High School, the Care-A-Van visited the Juniper Outreach…