Methuen Orange Leaf Joins Toy Drive for Local Boy's Cause

New Methuen Orange Leaf Store and The LOOP Shopping Center to Host Day of Fun and Giving to Benefit Floating Hospital for Children

METHUEN—Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt will officially open its doors on Saturday, Nov. 2 at The LOOP in Methuen with face painting, limo rides, tethered hot air balloon rides, and more—all as part of an effort to help Wesley Gangi, 9, of Methuen, collect toys for patients at the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center.

Wesley has faced challenges with health issues since he and his two brothers were born premature. He’s undergone over 35 surgeries and spent a considerable part of his life in the hospital. Still, Wesley wants to help other kids in need by holding a toy drive, with the help of Orange Leaf and The LOOP, so children have new toys to play with when they are in the hospital. That is how “Wesley’s Wishes” was created.

Visitors who donate money or a new unwrapped toy during “Wesley’s Wishes” toy drive on Nov. 2 will receive a 50% off coupon for a yogurt purchase at Orange Leaf. Mike Hennessy, owner of the Methuen Orange Leaf, said he was touched by Wesley’s desire to give back.

“Wesley is an exceptional young man and I jumped at the chance to help his cause,” Hennessy said. “Orange Leaf has a deep commitment to the communities it serves, and ‘Wesley’s Wishes’ is just the beginning of us getting involved in causes in Methuen.”

Andrea Pappaconstantinou, Director of Child Life Services at the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center said the toys are a touching gift from one of their patients. “Wesley knows what it’s like to be sick and away from home. These toys will bring added comfort to our patients and we’re so honored that Wesley thought of his friends at the Floating Hospital for Children,” she said. “I am glad I will be able to be there to thank Wesley in person for his kindness.”

The festivities will start at 11 a.m. on Nov. 2 when representatives from The LOOP and Orange Leaf will welcome Wesley and his family to the Center Courtyard. There will be music, family-friendly activities and raffles throughout the day until 3 p.m. Tethered hot air balloon rides, sponsored by Orange Leaf, will be $5 for children and $10 for adults, weather permitting, with all proceeds going towards the “Wesley’s Wishes” fund.  

Toys and donations can be dropped off at The LOOP management office prior to the event, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

About Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is a self-serve, choose-your-own-toppings frozen dessert chain with more than 300 locations from coast to coast. Ranked one of the fastest growing limited service chains by Technomic, Orange Leaf’s pro-franchisee culture encourages owners to become a part of their communities and provides them with the necessary ingredients for success. Orange Leaf offers a multitude of delicious, traditional and original flavors, including no-sugar-added, gluten-free and lactose-free alternatives. Customized with a generous selection of do-it-yourself toppings, Orange Leaf provides an innocent indulgence, self-served in a stimulating atmosphere. For more information and franchise opportunities, visit www.orangeleafyogurt.com, like Orange Leaf Yogurt on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @myorangeleaf.