In the weeks after the Sept. 11 flooding that impacted Leominster, United Way of North Central Massachusetts announced on Sept. 21 that the Leominster Flood Relief Fund went well past its goal.
Since it was launched, the fund received donations from 400 individuals and businesses, the Facebook post from United Way read. The fundraising blew past the $100,000, culminating in a total of $325,000.
“The Leominster Flood Relief Fund is still going strong!” the city said in its own Facebook post, sharing United Way’s.
Flooding damaged roads, drenched basements and collapsed the roofs of some businesses, including Force’s Time Capsule. Sinkholes led the city to shut down train operations for a time, as well as leaving some cities closed to commuters. Gov. Maura Healey requested assistance from President Joe Biden, resulting in a FEMA response to help the city.
The relief fund was developed between Leominster city officials, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Mayor Dean Mazzarella said in a statement from Sept. 13.
Now the relief fund has a new goal and a new challenge for anyone who donates.
“We have a new $50,000 matching challenge thanks to the Clementi Family Charitable Trust. Your donation to the fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, by September 30th. Help us reach our new goal of $500,000 and help those affected by this disaster.
To donate, text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit United Way’s flood relief website.
