Leominster relief funds collect donations to help residents after flash floods

A bucket truck was brought in to work on Pleasant Street at Colburn Street Wednesday after a huge sinkhole developed there from flash floods on Monday. The flooding left a home teetering on Colburn Street.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

In response to the catastrophic flood damage brought by torrential rains Monday night, groups have started fundraisers to assist residents impacted by the damage.

United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Leominster’s Taco John’s, and school sports teams are making efforts to collect donations.

With help from city officials and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, United Way opened the Leominster Flood Relief Fund on Wednesday, the organization said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Leominster needs our help! With the support of Leominster City officials and in collaboration with the @cfncm, United Way of North Central Massachusetts has opened the “Leominster Flood Relief Fund.”

To donate, Text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit https://t.co/HtxLSofdcj pic.twitter.com/lHwT34kWJg

— United Way of North Central Massachusetts (@unitedwayncm) September 13, 2023

Donations can be made electronically, or through cash and checks at Leominster City Hall, according to a statement posted on the city’s website.

All the the donations will be matched up to $50,000 by United Way and the Community foundation, the city said.

Taco John’s planned special taco delivery to Leominster’s first responders on Friday, the restaurant said in a statement Thursday.

The restaurant will donate 10 percent of proceeds from the next four Taco Tuesdays to United Way’s fund, the statement said.

Leominster girls’ field hockey and soccer teams also raised donations at their games on Thursday evening, the school district’s athletics department said on X.

Blue Devils home events today: Girls field hockey at 5:30 and Girls soccer at 7 PM at Doyle. Both games will be taking donations for the The Leominster Relief fund. Go Blue!

— Leominster Athletics (@LeomAthletics) September 14, 2023

Funds come in as residents continue to reckon with massive amounts of damage to roads, homes, and businesses across the city.

Rain water gushes over a sinkhole on Pleasant Street Wednesday afternoon. Despite more rain, Leominster had no additional flooding, according to the National Weather Service. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

After visiting Leominster on Tuesday, Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency in Worcester and Bristol counties that saw widespread damage from flooding.

Public schools also closed on Wednesday as a safety precaution for students and staff, the district said on Facebook Tuesday afternoon.

“Please consider donating if you can to help us help our community members who have been so heavily impacted by this flood,” the city said.

To donate to United Way’s fund, Text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit United Way’s website.

Justin Paxton(r) played the guitar as he and his friend sat in the rain on their front deck on Pleasant Street Wednesday. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff