Cooper’s Supports Westover Families Through Raffle of U.S.-made Products

AGAWAM — For a limited time, Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home of Agawam is accepting non-perishable food and school supply donations for the Westover Galaxy Community Council.

The Westover Galaxy Community Council (WGCC) needs non-perishable food and educational items for back-to-school season, to help the families of Westover. Items will be collected at Cooper’s now through July 31. Each item donated earns donors one raffle ticket to be used on any of the prizes featured in Cooper’s display of a dozen U.S.-made items.

“We will swap you a raffle entry for every item that you donate,” said Kate Gourde, owner of Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home. “Many of our favorite vendors have been very generous in supplying some fantastic prizes, all made right here in the USA. If customers would like to purchase entries for the raffle, tickets are $1 each, or 6 tickets for $5. All donations and ticket sales go directly to the charity.

“We are thrilled to offer the WGCC prize, too, which was kindly provided by their organization” Gourde added. “It’s two tickets to the 2027 Great New England Air Show with a VIP experience. Enjoy shaded seating with premium views, which is guaranteed to be an unforgettable day, with up-close, exclusive looks at remarkable aircrafts.”

The WGCC is comprised of veterans, local businesspeople, and other citizens who want to support the men, women, and mission of Westover Air Reserve Base. The 501(c)(3) charitable organization was formed in 1989 and run 100% by volunteers.

“We have held this raffle for years; our customers are very supportive and like to take care of our local heroes and their families,” Gourde said. “Especially for people west of the river, it’s easier to bring donations here, and we are open seven days of the week.”

Items may be brought to the shop anytime during the month of July. Cooper’s is located at 161 Main St., Agawam, and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

“This WGCC is also our July round-up charity, so it’s the perfect time to spread the word about their mission and really help them out,” Gourde added.

Each month, Gourde selects a local charity to receive the profits of the store’s round-up program, through which customers are invited to round up their purchase total to the nearest dollar amount. She will then match 50% of the total collected. The program has donated more than $68,000 to local organizations since its inception in 2014.