WALTHAM – Today the Military Friends Foundation, a non-profit proudly serving Massachusetts National Guard, Reserve and Gold Star Families, joined the family and friends of the late Elinor Marcou of Waltham for a special birthday tribute. It’s been eight years since Bob Marcou’s mother passed away but he and the Marcou family continue with her tradition of caring for others by honoring her legacy through community service projects each year on the anniversary of her birthday.

Mrs. Marcou was a proud military wife to husband Jack.  While he was serving in World War II, she cared for their growing family which would eventually include 3 girls and 7 boys.  This year, in her honor, dozens of her friends and family gathered at the Waltham Sons of Italy to take part in a clothing drive to benefit local military families and veterans.

“The Marcou family is proud to recognize our veterans and military families.  They have given so much to us and it is an honor serve those who serve,” said Bob Marcou.  In recent years, Elinor’s birthday tribute has supported many causes including the Waltham Senior Center, local food kitchens and shelters, and the Haitian relief efforts.

“From the outpouring of support, it is unmistakable how many lives Mrs. Marcou touched.  The Military Friends Foundation is honored to play a small role in connecting these generous donations with local military families in need,” said Sarah Keller-Likins, Executive Director of the Military Friends Foundation.  “As Massachusetts troops are facing the highest deployment levels since World War II, it makes a tremendous difference to military families knowing that their families at home are care for.” The Military Friends Foundation will distribute the donations to local veterans and military families.  Generous donations were also collected to support Waltham’s local food pantry and REACH, a support organization for people who face domestic violence.

The Military Friends Foundation assists eligible Guard, Reserve and Gold Star Families in times of need. The Foundation proudly administers the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund which was created by the state legislature to recognize the unique contributions and sacrifices made by Citizen Service Members. Taxpayers can directly support the Mass. Military Family Relief Fund on their Massachusetts state income tax form under voluntary contribution check-off box Question 32E.

Through generous donations, the Military Friends Foundation has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to Massachusetts military families. For more information on our grants and support programs, please visit www.militaryfriends.org or call (617) 733-7994.