The REAS Foundation is pleased and honored to announce the expansion of it partnership with the Sturbridge Service Center. As a long-time Sturbridge business resident providing vital, often life-saving emergency services to travelers throughout the region, the Sturbridge Service Center is no stranger to helping those in need.

Last year, just weeks after the REAS Foundation was established, the Sturbridge Service Center stepped forward to partner with REAS in support of Sturbridge seniors. Again this year, Craig Moran and his son Craig (CJ) have come forward to continue that relationship with another $1,000 donation to the REAS Foundation in support of Sturbridge seniors. 

During a check presentation conducted on-site, CJ Moran stated that the “Sturbridge Service Center Inc. is happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. We owe a debt of gratitude to our seniors; we are thankful that the REAS Foundation is there to allow us a local avenue to give back”. Craig went on to indicate that “Sturbridge Service Center is currently formulating an in-house program designed to provide additional services to qualifying Sturbridge seniors”. Details are forthcoming.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the REAS Foundation, Jennifer Morrison – Chief Administration Officer thanked Mr. Moran for “his deep sense of commitment to Sturbridge seniors and his unwavering support of the REAS Foundation in its efforts to assist those in our community who are most vulnerable”. Echoing Ms. Morrison’s sentiments, REAS Foundation Chief Marketing Officer - Maryann Thorpe who accompanied Jennifer during the presentation said that “Our community is most fortunate to have the support and partnership it enjoys with Sturbridge Service Center”. She went on to say that “Craig and his staff have been integral to the success of the REAS Foundation in its efforts to provide energy assistance to Sturbridge seniors; we are honored by their continued partnership”.

REAS Foundation Executive Director Thomas R. Creamer highlighted “the extensive support Sturbridge Service Center has provided our senior community as well as its efforts in support of local public safety agencies”. Mr. Creamer added that “our community is privileged to have such compassionate and caring corporate neighbors”.

The Board of Directors of the REAS Foundation has announced a major donation from Southbridge Savings Bank. Southbridge Savings Bank’s generous support of a $2,500 will help the organizations goal of raising $20,000 to help assist Sturbridge seniors with energy costs.

The REAS Foundation is built upon the belief that the greatness of a community is ultimately judged not so much by the beauty or magnificence of its structures, but rather, by its compassion, contributions, and care for its most vulnerable members. Rising energy costs, which in turn drive the costs of many associated items, coupled with fixed incomes, have placed many of our seniors in difficult,and dangerous predicaments. Their incomes are now fast outpaced by escalating energy prices. Choices between fuel, food, and prescriptions medications are becoming all too common for many of our seniors.

“The Board of Trustees and I are happy to help contribute to such a worthwhile organization,” the Bank’s president and CEO, Phil Pettinelli, said on offering Southbridge Savings’ donation. “Our Bank is committed to helping those in need in the areas that we serve.”

REAS Foundation Executive Director, Thomas Creamer, said, “To date this is the most generous donation our organization has received. The support provided by Southbridge Savings Bank to our senior community has and continues, to dramatically change the lives of local seniors.”

If you want to find more information about the REAS Foundation’s visit them at www.REASFoundation.org. Inquiries may be sent to info@REASFoundation.org or to P.O. Box 737, Fiskdale, MA 01518.

For more information about Southbridge Savings Bank, call 800-939-9103 or visit them on the Web at www.southbridgesavingsbank.com.

Fiskdale and Sturbridge seniors have long been the beneficiaries of great service, support, and assistance from the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors. Inspired by their organizational bylaws to “…encourage, initiate, and sponsor programs and services…” [that] “…enhance the dignity and well-being of senior citizens…”, and to “…institute fundraising projects and activities for the services not provided for by the Town of Sturbridge…” the Friends have always been a source of hope for local seniors.

Recently, the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors demonstrated yet again their comprehensive approach to supporting our seniors by way of a significant donation to the REAS Foundation. Citing the growing need among seniors within our community, Friends President Josephine Kaitbenski said that ” The board members of the Friends of the Sturbridge/Fiskdale Seniors are pleased to have donated $500 to the REAS Foundation.  We feel that this is what community is all about, people helping people”.

Friends Treasurer Claire Cook echoed Ms. Kaitbenski’s comments saying that “The Friends of the Sturbridge/Fiskdale Senior Center count it a privilege to help our seniors in whatever way we can.  We appreciate what the REAS Foundation is doing to provide essential energy funds to seniors.  REAS is filling a need in our community and this kindness has a great impact on all Sturbridge and Fiskdale citizens”.

Jennifer Morrison - REAS Foundation Chief Administration Officer - thanked the Friends for their “generous contribution to the health and welfare of Sturbridge seniors and their tireless efforts on behalf of our senior community”.

REAS Foundation Executive Director Thomas R. Creamer conveyed his “deep gratitude on behalf of the REAS Foundation for the generosity and support of the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors” citing the “significance of Seniors helping Seniors”.