Number of Participants: 60
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $8,350
Event Type: Children & Youth
Activity: Track and Field
School: Franklin High School
Date: October 2, 2025
Location:
Franklin High School
Oak Street, Franklin
MA
About:
The Franklin High School boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, led by Coach Bailey on the boys’ side and Coach Hogan on the girls’ side, went above and beyond to support local families in need through a meaningful community service initiative. In partnership with the SAFE Coalition, the teams organized and sponsored a diaper drive that made a significant and immediate impact.
Together with their families and the broader Franklin community, the 60 members of the cross-country program collected an impressive 2,937 diapers, 6,852 wipes, and 3 cans of formula, including trusted brands such as Pampers. The drive was held during one of the team’s home meets, where the response from spectators and supporters was overwhelming.
SAFE is a Franklin-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Among its many services is a Community Diaper Bank open to anyone in need. SAFE typically receives requests from two to three families each day, and many individuals first connect with the organization through the diaper bank before accessing additional support services.
After completing the collection, the athletes took their service one step further by running to the SAFE Coalition offices and hand-delivering the donations. The team’s arrival created an inspiring scene and gave the student-athletes a firsthand look at the impact of their efforts. They met with SAFE’s director, who shared that there was a backlog of diaper requests and that the donated supplies would be distributed to families as early as the following day.
This initiative highlighted the Franklin High School cross country program’s commitment to leadership, teamwork, and compassion beyond competition. By combining athletics with service, these student-athletes demonstrated how collective action and generosity can make a tangible difference in their community.
