Cooper’s Gifts in Agawam hosts drive to support Westover Galaxy Community Council

AGAWAM — People looking to support military families this month can do so at Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home. The second-generation family business is rounding up change, hosting a raffle and collecting donations for the Westover Galaxy Community Council.

Each month, Cooper’s hosts a fundraiser for a different local charity. In the past, the July fundraiser was devoted to the Pioneer Valley USO. But after the local chapter was absorbed by the national organization, owner Kathleen “Kate” Gourde decided to change partners.

“I really like to keep it to local charities,” she said. Keeping with the patriotic theme for July, three years ago, Gourde chose to support the Westover Galaxy Community Council. “I thought that was a much better fit,” she said.

The Westover Galaxy Community Council supports the military members serving at Chicopee’s Westover Air Reserve Base and their families and promotes interactions between the base and the surrounding communities.

Gourde reached out to her merchandise vendors who make their products in the United States to ask for raffle prize donations. In addition, Westover Galaxy Community Council donated a VIP experience for the 2027 Great New England Air Show, which it organizes every two years.

Speaking of the response from the community, Gourde said, “It’s been great.” Customers can round up at the register and donate the change to the drive. Cooper’s also accepting donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, baby and toddler diapers and wipes and school supplies.

Of the Air Force reservists, Gourde said, “They don’t make a whole lot of money, so it’s nice that they have a little pantry where they can grab cereal of whatever.” She added, “And school supplies are not cheap.”

Last year, Gourde said Cooper’s raised $472 “and baskets and baskets of donations.” She said she would be pleased if this year’s drive could beat that total.

The drive and raffle run through July 31. Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home is in Cooper’s Commons at 161 Main St.