WORCESTER—The WooSox Foundation wrapped up its fourth annual Holiday Caravan last week, spreading holiday cheer to more than 15 charitable organizations across the greater Worcester area. The three-day event, presented by Bank of America, featured stops at food pantries, schools, and community centers, with players, mascots, and staff delivering gifts and smiles.
The Caravan began on Dec. 11 at St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, where WooSox outfielder Corey Rosier, Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman, and the Dreammakers served breakfast to attendees. Later, the team visited UMass Memorial Medical Center to distribute plushies to young patients.
“There’s people that are legitimately fighting for their lives,” Rosier said in a statement. “Just to see how happy they are to see us show up and give back, it’s really cool.”
Throughout the Caravan, the WooSox hosted events like a holiday luncheon for Vernon Hill Elementary School students, games at the YMCA, and a gift delivery at the McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys. Additional stops included Vernon Hill Elementary’s new food pantry and Why Me & Sherry’s House, where children received “Kits for Kids” filled with toys and games.
Emerson White, WooSox manager of Community Relations, added, “Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter makes it clear just how much of an impact we’re making.”
The Caravan concluded on Dec. 13 with visits to Abby’s House, Kiva Centers, and Worcester high schools, where WooSox Scholars received holiday gift bags. Rosier, who traveled from North Carolina to participate, emphasized the joy of giving back, noting, “It’s really cool to see how happy people are to see us show up somewhere.”
The WooSox Foundation’s 2024 Holiday Caravan touched thousands of lives, delivering food, clothing, toys, and joy throughout the Worcester community, demonstrating the team’s commitment to making a difference beyond the ballpark.
