Humanitarian Project at Gus & Paul's on the Way to Goal
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Pam Ayotte poses next to one of the humanitarian aid donation drop boxes at Gus & Paul's. She has already mailed out several shipments of donated items to Westover Air Base marines stationed in Africa for them to distribute to the people of that impoverished area.
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When Pam Ayotte, manager of the Tower Square Gus & Paul's, first started promoting the fact that she was collecting donations to send to Africa, where her military son is stationed, she never expected the outpouring she would receive.
Since her story first appeared in the Tower Square newsletter in April, Ayotte's cause has been covered by WWLP TV-22, as well as The Republican and Reminder newspapers to name a few. The publicity has definitely raised the consciousness of local residents, according to Ayotte.
So far Ayotte has received about $4,000 worth of donated items and monetary contributions, and has shipped out more the 600 pounds in care packages.
In April Ayotte began a humanitarian project to assist the Mass 6 Marine Corp Unit from Westover Air Base stationed in Africa, by sending them needed items that they can distribute to the locals of an impoverished region of northern Africa. Military officials have said it's easier for the marines to do their duties, when they can establish friendships with the local people. Providing them with gifts, toys, first aid kits, etc. helps to do just that.
What reports does Ayotte hear from her son, Lance Corporal Stefan Ayotte, regarding the shipments of donated items? "He says the kids just love the items that we have sent so far. The boys loved the balls that we sent in the first shipment. So we made sure to send dolls for the girls in the second shipment," explained Ayotte. First aid kits are also a big hit, says Ayotte.
Ayotte hopes to reach 1,000 pounds worth of shipments by August. A goal she believes is very achievable. If you are interested in making a donation, the humanitarian aid drop boxes are located at Gus & Paul's.
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