By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Northborough – This year began with an idea discussed among Northborough residents Leslie Arsenault, Karen Brewster, Beth Davison and Michelle Gillespie. It was just a few months after Leslie Arsenault lost her son U.S. Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault, a Bronze Star recipient who was killed in action last September in Afghanistan. While their personal connections with the military vary, they all share an interest in remembering service men and women. They founded Boros Cares 4 Troops (BC4T) with the mission of sending care packages to deployed service members.
On Flag Day, June 14, nearly 100 runners and walkers participated in the first BC4T 5K Road Race, beginning and ending at Fannie E. Proctor Elementary School. There, BC4T’s banner proclaimed, “We got your back” and “Supporting our troops, one care package at a time.” Tom Lowe, owner of Lowe’s Variety and Meat Market, led everyone singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Central One Federal Credit Union was the corporate sponsor.
The founders thought a road race would be a good way to raise funds and awareness throughout the community, Gillespie noted.
“BC4T is building out of Northborough and we hope to include all of the boroughs,” she explained. “It’s similar to Cape Cod Cares for the Troops; all of the towns on the Cape get together to do care packages for the troops.”
Brewster is hopeful that the involvement will also extend beyond the boroughs.
“We don’t want any parameters; we want to keep branching out,” she said. “We want the troops to know they have our love and support from home.”
Before the road race, participants heard speakers including state Rep. Harold Naughton, D-Clinton. A major in the Army Reserve, Naughton has served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I can’t think of a better day for the kickoff for BC4T.” he said. “Today is the 240th anniversary of the U.S. Army.”
Naughton noted that in recent years some service members are unsure whether they have support of people back home
“We know that towns like Northborough, the boroughs, the towns surrounding us, and ladies like these make sure that those lonely service members are never forgotten,” he said.
Another speaker was Northborough resident Adam Costello, director of Central Massachusetts Veterans Services’ District. The district includes Grafton, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Westborough. An Army veteran, Costello was a senior medic in Hawaii and served tours of duty in Iraq.
“You’re always surrounded by your platoon mates while you’re over there, but it’s still very lonely,” he acknowledged. “Every night when I went to sleep I would dream of home.”
Costello shared that he was pleasantly surprised to get a special delivery while serving overseas.
“I got a care package from Northborough,” he said. “It picked up my spirit so much. There were some pictures from around the community and a bunch of those little powdered drinks – one of my favorite things to get. Everything you’re doing here will bring that same feeling to other troops around the world.”
Powdered drink mixes such as Crystal Light are among the food items that BC4T suggests donating. Food, toiletries and miscellaneous items can be brought to a drop-off location: the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234, Chet’s Diner, Northborough Fire Department or Stor/Gard.
Monetary donations can be made online, or by check payable to “Boros Cares 4 Troops” and sent to P.O. Box 304, Northborough, MA 01532. These donations will go toward shipping charges and purchasing items such as phone cards.
Following the road race, a barbecue was held at the American Legion Post 234 with a flag retirement ceremony. BC4T plans to host fundraisers year-round.
Volunteers interested in helping with an upcoming packing event can email [email protected]. For updates and more information, including suggested items to donate, visit bc4t.org or on Facebook here.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
