After her husband Jeff Coombs was killed on Flight 11 during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Christie Coombs and her family needed support from their community. Now, the Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation helps families who are faced with similarly difficult situations.

After the tragedy, Mrs. Coombs and their three children, Matthew, Meaghan and Julia, wanted to help out other families in need. The Coombs felt like they had been given so much support that they wanted to give back the same kind of support and love to those in need. “When people do nice things for you, you do nice things back,” said Mrs. Coombs.

The family started raising money for the foundation a few months after the tragedy, but they continue to be surprised that it continues. “We never thought it would last long and be as successful as it is today,” said Mrs. Coombs.

Today, the Jeff Coombs Foundation assists families who are faced with deaths, sickness, and financial hardships. The foundation raises money by organizing big fundraising events, such as the well-known Jeff Coombs Memorial Road Race, Walk and Family Day that takes place the second weekend of September in Abington, starting and finishing at the Woodsdale school where family fun activities occur throughout the day.  The road race raises about $30,000 annually, and anyone can run, walk, or just hang out at the event.

The Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation holds many other fundraising events annually, like Christmas tree sales, the Jeff Coombs Memorial Auction, holiday parties for military families, and the Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil. It also awards scholarships to seniors graduating from Abington High School and private schools, as well as family and student grants. The foundation has raised more than $450,000 in grants and scholarships.

The Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation has a great cause and the members of the organization make a huge impact on the community of Abington. Everyone who helps with the foundation is a volunteer and all the money is used to help the community. It is people like Mrs. Coombs who make a difference in our world.

Donations may be sent to:

The Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation
P.O. Box 463
Abington, MA 02351

Visit their Web Page for More Information jeffcoombsfund.org