Upton Men’s Club Awards $1,000 to the Upton Police Comfort Dog Program

Koda Upton Police Dog

Pictured Left to Right: Chief Nicholas Palmieri, Officer Ciara O'Connor, K9 Koda, Upton Men's Club Members; Bob Drainville, Brad Webster, Nate Hahn, and Matt Ronzio.

Here at the Upton Men’s Club, our core mission has always been simple: service to the community. Whether we are hosting senior dinners, organizing the town’s Fireworks Festival, or funding local scholarships, we are always looking for ways to make Upton an even better place to live.

That is why we are incredibly proud to announce our recent $1,000 donation to the Upton Police Association to support K9 Koda and the department’s Comfort Dog Program!

Meet Koda: A Vital Resource for Upton

Recently, the Upton Police Department reached out to us to share the incredible impact of their Comfort Dog Program. This initiative is specifically designed to strengthen community relationships, support mental health, and provide essential emotional assistance during times of crisis.

Koda isn’t just a friendly face at the station; he is a vital resource for our town. As the department shared with us, Koda offers reassurance and a calming presence during difficult situations, including traumatic incidents, school visits, community outreach events, and interactions with individuals experiencing acute stress.

Because the Comfort Dog Program is primarily funded by donations, community support is essential for Koda’s ongoing care. Our $1,000 grant will go directly toward maintaining and growing this program, helping to cover necessary expenses such as food, medical care, equipment, and specialized training. We are honored to help sustain an initiative that directly benefits individuals of all ages across Upton.

About the Upton Men’s Club

For over 25 years, the Upton Men’s Club has been dedicated to contributing to our town through fundraising and volunteerism. With over 50 active members and over 20,000 service hours logged, our organization operates on three basic pillars:

  1. Service to the Community: Giving back through fundraisers and hands on volunteer work.

  2. Organization: Partnering with other existing service groups, like the Upton Police Association for the ultimate benefit of our town’s residents.

  3. Social Networking: Fostering a network where local men can develop social and professional contacts, meet new people, and have a great time doing it.

Partnering with the Upton Police Department to support Koda perfectly aligns with our goal to work alongside local organizations for the betterment of our residents. We want to extend a massive thank you to the Upton Police Department for everything they do to keep our town safe, and for bringing such a wonderful resource like Koda to our community.

Want to Get Involved?

The Upton Men’s Club projects and programs are made possible by community support through our events, golf tournaments, and raffles. If you’d like to help us continue funding incredible community initiatives like the Comfort Dog Program, consider making a donation or joining our ranks!

Visit www.uptonmensclub.org to learn more about our upcoming events, membership, and how you can help us make a difference.

Next time you see Koda and her handler around town, be sure to give them a friendly Upton hello!