F.W. Webb Company, one of the largest wholesale distributors of plumbing, heating, HVAC, LP gas, refrigeration, pipe, valves and fittings in the Northeast, is pleased to announce that it has pledged $100,000 to the Boston Children's Hospital via the "F.W. Webb Extraordinary Needs Fund for Military and Veteran Families" and the Boston Children’s Hospital’s “Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Fund."

Through this pledge, over the next two years F.W. Webb will offer financial support to military and veteran families in need of assistance who come to Boston Children’s for care from across the U.S. The company's fund will support any military family that faces financial hardship by helping to subsidize rent and utilities due to lost wages and will also help with food insecurity, gaps in insurance, transportation and parking for medical visits, hotel stays and related needs. Funds are also provided to families to help with medical copays, prescriptions, durable medical equipment and special medical needs, particularly for complex care patients.

F.W. Webb will further extend its commitment to helping veterans in need by supporting the “Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Fund” at Boston Children’s, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiative supported by the hospital. The program provides transitioning service members with professional training and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce to prepare them for a smooth transition into meaningful civilian careers.

"Easing the burden of our troops, veterans and their families is a deeply personal mission to us. Many of our employees, business partners and customers have close ties to the military either as active troops, veterans or family members,” said Jeff Pope, owner and president of F.W. Webb. “Many of us also know a child fighting a serious illness and family members struggling to be present while meeting their financial obligations. We are honored to partner with such a prestigious, nationally-recognized hospital providing innovative research and life-saving care to children fighting tremendous health battles and give back to those who fought so courageously to ensure our freedom."

"When a child is being treated for a complex illness, they may be required to stay weeks or even months at the hospital. Long-term stays can place incredible financial pressure on the family, which can include lost income, providing for siblings remaining at home, transportation, food costs and more," said Pamela Chamorro, LICSW, director, social work department, Boston Children’s Hospital. "Resources from the Extraordinary Needs Fund can make a difference in a child’s recovery as well as lessen the burden overall to the family. Additionally, rejoining the workforce after active duty presents many challenges, and opportunities for employers and employees. Working in partnership to bring the skills and talents of our veterans to the healthcare industry is a mission that benefits us all."

Boston Children’s Hospital is ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is a pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Home to the world’s largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. Today, 3,000 researchers and scientific staff, including 11 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 23 members of the National Academy of Medicine and 9 Howard Hughes Medical Investigators comprise Boston Children’s research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children’s is now a 485-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care.