Westfield student holding pickleball tournament to help support care packages

WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A Westfield High School student has been putting together care bags for both western Massachusetts troops and veterans for the last few years and, for her senior year, she’s at it again and is adding a little extra effort .

“Getting to hear each and every one of their stories, the ones that have kids that they’re leaving at home, and I just wanted to make that somewhat easier for them,” said Westfield High Senior Jillian Battles.

Since eighth grade, Battles has been determined to give Massachusetts veterans and soldiers deployed overseas care bags to make sure they are well taken care of. For each of the last three years, she has put together 800 of those for the same groups in western Massachusetts as part of her ‘Bags for Bravery’ project. Now, in her senior year, she’s picking up where she left off.

“They’re not really appreciated as much as they should be and so, me as one person just being able to do what I do and then get my school involved, get the community involved and bring all this to light, and to be able “To give them the recognition they deserve is truly what matters the most,” Battles noted.

Battles told Western Mass News that there are several items needed for these bags, including throw blankets, warm socks, hand sanitizer, macaroni and cheese cups, and granola bars. While not many donations have been collected this early in the school year, Battles is increasing her effort this weekend with ‘Picklefor Patriots,’ a pickleball tournament that will give her a head start in collecting money to buy items that would fill the bags.

“Even if they’re not playing, anybody can stop by and bring a donation off of my wish list and they get a free raffle ticket. It’s a good cause and I’m really hoping that will get people out.”

Coming from a military family herself, Battles has shown her will to be there for those who are serving or have served in our armed forces and she said the battle will continue, especially when she attends college next year.

“Western New England (University) already expressed their support, so I’m super excited for that. “I know eventually I’d like to be a doctor, so med school might get a little tricky, but I have no plans on stopping any time soon,” Battles explained.

‘Pickle for Patriots’ will be Saturday at the Westfield Municipal Pickleball Courts. As for donations overall, Battles said they will be accepted until October 31.

For more information on the event or to register, click here.