Red Sox Foundation Steps Up to the Plate for Square One

SPRINGFIELD — The Red Sox Foundation has joined the team of corporations and individuals who are helping Square One raise its early-education game. The foundation recently awarded the agency a grant of $2,500 to help provide supplies needed to outfit its classrooms.

“Welcoming the Red Sox to our team of classroom donors is a home run for Square One,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “Given the number of children that we serve every day, it is essential for us to keep our classrooms stocked with items like books, crayons, glue sticks, paper, and all of the essential tools our teachers need to ensure a high-quality early learning experience for our children.”

The award comes at a critical time, as this year Square One expanded its early-education programs to include full-day remote learning support for children in kindergarten through grade 5, in addition to its traditional preschool classrooms and family childcare offerings.

“The Red Sox Foundation is proud to amplify the impact being made by Square One in our communities, particularly in this moment when educational and social-emotional support must be prioritized and championed for individuals and families of our most vulnerable populations,” said Rebekah Salwasser, executive vice president, Social Impact for the Boston Red Sox and executive director of the Red Sox Foundation.

Square One’s Adopt-a-Classroom program is part of the agency’s Campaign for Healthy Kids, a multi-year fund-development initiative focused on the agency’s commitment to providing healthy meals, physical fitness, social-emotional well-being, and a healthy learning environment.

“The past year has greatly reinforced the demand for our programs and services,” Allard said. “With that growing demand and the unanticipated COVID-related expenses — including providing full-day support during remote learning — we have a tremendous need to expand our donor base.”