Reaching their 100th year in service to the community earlier in 2025, the Leominster Rotary Club wanted to recognize the Club’s commitment to “service above self,” voting to hold two new service projects. The first of those projects was a toy drive for local children and a food drive for the local Veterans Food Pantry.
Photo: From left, Rotarian John Souza, and Leominster Rotary Club President Louise Hogue recently delivered food to Jolene Constant at the Veterans’ Food Pantry.
Although the food and toy drive was started late, the Club was able to deliver 21 boxes of toys to three local charities recently. The Spanish American Center, the local Catholic Charities office, and Ginny’s Helping Hand were the recipients of the toys. The Veterans Food Pantry received over 75 pounds of food and $655 in gift certificates. On Dec. 18, the Leominster Rotary Club held a gathering of fellowship, food, and music at the Monoosnock Country Club.
Dean Valliere, chair of the event, stated that much of the event’s success was due to the support of local businesses that hosted the collection boxes.
Photo right: 2: To celebrate their 100-year mark, the Leominster Rotary Club was able to deliver 21 boxes of food and toys to three local charities. Pictured are some of those boxes at the Monoosnock Country Club, where the Club held a fundraising gala Dec. 18, 2025.
In Leominster, boxes were located at the Dairy Queen and Market Basket in the Mall at Whitney Field, Edward Jones on Adams Street, Brady’s Restaurant, and the Law Offices of Dean Valliere. In Lunenburg, Bad Larry’s and Powell’s Stone and Gravel. Dean also said that, due to the event’s success, the Club hopes to make it an annual event.
Cory Hasselman, Veterans Service officer in Leominster, said the gift cards are invaluable when a veteran is looking for food that may not be in the food pantry.
The other event planned for the club’s 100th year celebration will be held in February. This event is to package 100,000 meals for people facing food insecurity in Leominster and Central Massachusetts. Due to the large number of people needed to pack this food, additional volunteers are needed. If you would like to assist with this project, contact our District Governor on the Club’s website Leominster-Rotary.org
Photo Left: Thanks to the Leominster Rotary Club’s food drive, the Veterans Food Pantry recently received over 75 pounds of food and $655 in gift certificates.