March 2, 2021 -Springfield- The Hampden District Attorney’s Office recently distributed 30,000 medical masks for Covid-19 prevention to area schools and human service agencies here in Hampden County. The masks donation is part of a larger effort by the New England Patriots Foundation to continue providing masks to community and social service agencies that have a need.

Recently, Joshua Kraft, President of the New England Patriots Foundation, contacted Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni about the need for masks here in Hampden County. DA Gulluni, through his Community Outreach and Engagement Team, began asking local organizations if there was a need and what would make a difference. The result was a request for 30,000 masks from the New England Patriots Foundation.

“In these challenging times, my family and the Patriots Foundation are committed to providing people with a sense of security and support,” said Kraft. “We are committed to helping people maintain their lives by ensuring access to protective face masks. It’s a privilege to be able to work with our good friend DA Gulluni and to provide this donation to the many organizations in Western Mass.”

Over the past couple weeks members of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office transported the 30,000 mask from Gillette Stadium and distributed them locally.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni stated, “ The New England Patriots Foundation has really stepped up and has been a substantial resource for organizations across the state to help protect some of the most vulnerable in society during this pandemic. We quickly discovered there is a huge need here locally and are grateful to play a  small role in assisting so many great organizations as they continue to navigate as best they can in providing critical services in a very difficult environment.”   

Two of the largest recipients were the Chicopee Public Schools System and the Center for Human Development, both receiving 7,500 mask each.

Lynn Clark, Superintendent, Chicopee Public Schools, stated, “Thank you to Joshua Kraft, President, of the New England Patriots Foundation and Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni for thinking of the Chicopee Public Schools for a generous donation of 7,500 masks. These masks will be very helpful across the district as we bring back students for in-person learning. We couldn’t be more grateful for the kindness and generosity.” 

“We really appreciate this generous contribution by the New England Patriots Foundation and District Attorney Gulluni,” said Jim Goodwin, president and CEO of CHD. “It supports our dedicated and hardworking teams of caregivers as they continue to provide essential services safely during the pandemic.”

In addition to the Chicopee Public Schools and CHD, another 19 local organizations received a donation from the New England Patriots Foundation: