Stoughton Hero: Gaby Zola Raises $8,000 To Feed Essential Workers

STOUGHTON, MA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

One hero we already recognized was Stoughton High student Gaby Zola. Zola spent her free time during the coronavirus pandemic raising money to feed first responders and essential workers, but if efforts have more than doubled since our last story.

In April, Zola started a GoFundMe campaign, which asked the community to donate towards meals for essential workers. By the end of that month, she had raised more than $3,000. And as Thursday, Zola has raised almost $8,000.

"I was really surprised," Zola said. "I wasn't even expecting to make $200 ... I never expected to do anything like this in my life, and it's great being able to give back to the community."

Zola said the meals were all bought at local restaurants to help support small businesses. Some restaurant owners even made matching donations to help feed other essential workers.

"I thought it was a good way to give back to the community twice as much because we're giving in a way that helps the restaurants as well," Zola told Patch.

Meal recipients included workers at Good Samaritan Hospital, the Stoughton police and fire departments, CVS Pharmacy and several other essential businesses and departments.

Police Lt. John Bonney told Patch Zola has "been on a mission" and the work she's done helping police and others has been "remarkable."

Zola's father Michael said he couldn't be more proud of his daughter. He told Patch Gaby Zola also took $2,500 she raised and bought Stop & Shop gift cards for the Stoughton Family Food Fund. Gaby Zola is also now an essential worker herself, having spent her summer working at Stop & Shop.

"We are very proud of Gabriella and her accomplishments," Michael Zola said. "My favorite part of Gabriella, while I was at Stop & Shop, and she did not know I was there, I observed her leaving the cash register to help an elderly lady empty the carriage - that describes Gabriella she just does what needs to be done to succeed."

To help support Zola's efforts, check out her GoFundMe page here.

To nominate other Stoughton heroes making a difference during the new coronavirus pandemic, fill out this form here.