Press Releases

LOWELL, MA — Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) visited The Wish Project to highlight the community services they offer, benefitting thousands across the Merrimack Valley each year. The Congresswoman toured the facility and met with staff and volunteers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant increases in food and housing insecurity, putting families in the Third District and across the country at risk,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “These families have been buoyed by community organizations like The Wish Project, which has worked tirelessly to provide the support and services needed to keep families on their feet. I’m thrilled that The Wish Project and so many other critical organizations were supported by the federal Paycheck Protection Program, and look forward to continuing my partnership with these groups to ensure those in need always have access to resources and support — through this pandemic and beyond.”

“We were thrilled to host a visit with Congresswoman Trahan today, and are grateful for her interest,” said Alyce Moore, Executive Director at The Wish Project. “We are so proud of the work that we are doing with the immense help of a group of dedicated volunteers and extremely generous donors.”

The Wish Project, a nonprofit located in North Chelmsford, works to help families in need establish long-term residency by meeting basic needs and providing critical immediate assistance. The Project accepts gently-used furniture, home supplies, and baby goods, distributing donations to those in need. Currently, the Project is hosting a Backpack Attack event to collect school supply packs for children in homeless shelters and in low-income families across the Merrimack Valley.

“I have forever been grateful to The Wish Project for all the years of their extraordinary work to help our families here to recover from disaster and restore long term residential conditions for them, the most vulnerable amongst us,” said State Representative Vanna Howard. “As a longtime volunteer myself I saw firsthand the compassion and dedication shown by staff, members, and volunteers. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit The Wish Project today and, more importantly, for her continued support.”

The Wish Project was supported through the pandemic by a $47,000 loan from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding secured by the CARES Act last year. Congresswoman Trahan voted to establish the PPP program in 2020, and voted in support of the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act in March 2021. In Congress, Trahan has served as a strong federal partner to local community service organizations like The Wish Project.

“The Town of Chelmsford welcomed the Wish Project when they located here several years ago. Since then, the need has increased, and, judging from the inventory on hand today, so have the donations,” said Chelmsford Select Board Member Pat Wojtas. “The staff at this facility works tirelessly to organize every item so that clients can find what they need. Their dedication and commitment cannot be overstated. We look forward to a continued relationship with The Wish Project as they make our community more welcoming, especially for those who need a little help.”

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