WILMINGTON, MA — Watch the latest episode of “Talk of the Town” with host Ryan Malyar, WCTV’s Youth & Content Coordinator, featuring quick stories from around town.
In this episode, Malyar remotely interviews Christina Bentley, the founder of the “Wilmington Cares” movement.
Bentley began by discussing how the movement started.
“I had to close down my business, as many others did, due to COVID-19,” explained Bentley. “A few days in, I was bored and thinking about what I could do to help all the people that still have to go to work everyday. So I made a post on the Community Board on Facebook and asked if we could get 15-20 people together to raise a little bit of money to send some food to our first responders, maybe Winchester Family Medical Center, and some grocery store employees — people who have to be out there and are putting themselves at risk on the front line.”
Bentley’s post on the Community Board resulted in more than 100 comments in about 90 minutes with people interested in donating to such a cause. She then decided to start a Facebook group for those wishing to donate and volunteer.
“In 11 days, this group has bloomed to 745 members and we’ve raised $14,845 as of last night,” announced Bentley. “Group members sent in nominations for people they wanted to show appreciation for. And we sent each a $25 gift card. We purchased the cards from 23 different restaurants in town. We’re also hoping to help out restaurants in town.”
Bentley, a self-described “Townie,” said this movement has made her prouder than ever to live in Wilmington.
“Everything has been so positive. There’s been no conflict whatsoever. Everybody in Wilmington has just been caring, giving and kind. This could not have happened without them. It’s been really, really nice,” Bentley added.
Bentley added folks can learn about Wilmington Cares, which is not affiliated with the school system’s childcare program with the same name, by visiting its Facebook group. She is not looking for any further financial contributions at the moment as the cost of gift cards for all nominations have been covered.
Watch the 10-minute episode, courtesy of Wilmington Community Television, below:
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