Woburn's Kathleen Donovan Organizes Holiday Gift Drive For Local Kids

WOBURN, MA — Without community leaders, Woburn wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Darlene Hatfield, a Woburn Patch reader who nominated Kathleen Donovan.

How do you know the community leader?

She organizes Christmas in Wuville, a program where people in the community pick a child and provide them with items from their wish list. She also runs one of our community food pantries. She has provided support to families escaping a violent home with food, clothing and any other items that the family may need. These are just a few of the many things she does for our community.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Because she always puts the needs of the community first. Particularly the Christmas in Wuville program. The program has grown immensely. Kathleen coordinates with all the schools for a list of students in need of some holiday cheer. Then she collects all the gifts and distributes the items to the schools in time for Christmas. It’s an immensely time-consuming process and she does it while being a single mom to three children, homeschooling one of her children, in addition to her church duties.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Her selfless efforts have made positive changes for hundreds of families in need over the years. She asks for nothing in return. I think it’s time to recognize her contributions.

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Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

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