LANCASTER  — A team of siblings have carried on their father’s legacy of helping the food insecure after raising thousands of dollars through community partnerships and online donations.

David Carr and his three siblings came together to form The Joseph & Leslie Carr Foundation Inc., a non-profit, charitable organization that provides food to those who need it most. The idea for the foundation came from the Carr’s father, who began a food service charity at the Medford Rotary Club about 40 years ago. 

The Joseph & Leslie Carr Foundation officially became a non-profit last year. Since that time, they’ve partnered with the Cova Family of Lancaster, which fundraises for the organization. The Cova Family take donations from those who frequent their popular “Christmas on Runaway” holiday light display, which illuminates 24 Runaway Brook Road on an annual basis. This year, the Covas left a donation box at their display, which turned out to be a profitable endeavor for the Carr’s.

“It’s been a fantastic relationship, they’re a wonderful family and the show they put on is out of this world,” said Carr. Adding, “This is completely volunteer based. No one is getting paid for any of this, so every dollar goes toward feeding families.”

Between the generosity of the Cova family, their patrons and online donations, Carr said his organization raised $2,850 so far this year. That money was put to good use at the Leominster Eagles Club, where last weekend over 150 volunteers came out to help put together 350 food baskets, primarily comprised of a turkey with all the fixings as well as produce and other grocery items that are exclusively purchased at the Market Basket in Hudson. 

The food boxes were then delivered to families throughout Worcester and Middlesex County through referrals Carr receives from local organizations and area-school administrators.  Carr said he’s looking to expand his fundraising efforts in the new year so he can take his organization to the next level. 

“Our goal is to really continue doing what we are doing and really build the program out,” he said. “I think next year we are planning to do the same number of baskets we did locally and expand up to the Merrimack Valley.”