Jordan Boys and Girls Club and community leaders are commending the Kraft family for their humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
Last week Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Patriots President Jonathan Kraft secured 1.2 million N95 masks from China to assist U.S. medical personnel in the fight against the coronavirus. The Kraft family allowed the use of the Patriots’ team plane for the transporting of the masks. The family also donated $2 million toward the purchase of the masks.
Chelsea residents have personally experienced the Kraft family’s generosity and philanthropic efforts. It was the Kraft family who helped lead the way for the construction of the $11 million Jordan Boys and Girls Club on Willow Street.
Josh Kraft, son of Robert Kraft and the late Myra Kraft, was instrumental in the building of the new clubhouse that serves hundreds of Chelsea boys and girls each day through programs in sports, technology, leadership, life skills, and the arts. Josh served as executive director of the JGBC and is currently the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Mark Robinson, chair of the JGBC Breakfast Series and a major donor to the Club, called the Kraft family’s efforts in bringing the masks to the United States “an uplifting story.”
“What an uplifting story it was showing the New England Patriots’ plane arriving in Boston with the most essential needs for our medical community,” said Robinson.
“Of course, it wasn’t surprising,” added Robinson. “The Kraft family has always been about giving back. When they see a need, they step in. It’s exactly what happened in Chelsea. Josh Kraft saw a need for youth services in Chelsea and with the backing of the whole family, they made it happen. Although the Kraft Family will always be known as the owners of the New England Patriots, when it comes to giving back, charity, and making a difference, they are The First Family of New England.
Councillor-at-Large Leo Robinson, a supporter of the JGBC, also applauded the Kraft family for its humanitarianism in a time of dire need.
“The Kraft family stepped up during a critical situation for our country,” said Robinson. “They helped America in such a big way and hopefully there will be some other people coming forward that can help make a difference.”
Robinson said he has seen the Kraft family performing philanthropic deeds in the past.
“I am not surprised that the Kraft family would step up to the plate and figure out a way to help out,” said Robinson. “Mrs. Kraft was so great in giving back to the community. Mr. Kraft and the family in this instance found a way to get those vital masks to the United States and they stepped up and they did it.”