Middlesex County

Local charity helps neighbors in need of assistance

There’s a charity in Westford called, Westford Remembers. It was established to help preserve and revitalize the town’s many memorials. But it’s focus has shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s gone from remembering the past to building the future by neighbors helping neighbors in need. The acts of kindness are making a huge impact on many families, including the Mahady’s.

3-year-old Weston Mahady learned to walk during the pandemic and loves playing outside of his home. “And more recently he learned to run. We live on a really, really busy street and he’s legally blind and he has been running into the road,” said Ali Mahady, Weston’s mother.

Because of that, Ali wants her family’s front yard and driveway fenced-in to give them a peace of mind, but installing a fence is expensive. Inflation has pushed the cost of materials even higher, so Ali reached out to Westford Remembers. The organization helps community members that need additional temporary assistance. They’ve helped more than 40 Westford families since its inception through various fundraising projects.

The nonprofit is raising money to help the Mahady’s install their much needed fence. “We may not be able to do everything, but we are going to do something to help support you through whatever what you’re going through,” said Jamie Holmes, treasurer of Westford Remembers. Westford Remembers has grown exponentially over the past several years. “It may be $50 it may be $500 for a deposit for a college tuition it may be grocery money,” said Nancy Cook, president of Westford Remembers.

Westford Remembers recently reached out to the town to install a sign near the Mahady’s home warning drivers a blind lives in the area. “When we stumbled upon this we couldn’t believe there was something like this in our town where local community members are coming together and helping. Some of them we know, some of them we don’t know. It’s really wonderful. We’re really fortunate to live in Westford,” Ali Mahady said.

If a family living in Westford does need some assistance, they can reach out to Westford Remembers and remain confidential. If you have a Positively Massachusetts story idea, contact Boston25 anchor Chris Flanagan at PositivelyMA@Boston25.com.

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