New Years backpack delivery for the veterans

Jamaica Plain Veterans Hospital

On Wednesday January 6, 2021 Rickyinc made its first backpack delivery of the new year to the Jamaica Plain Veterans Hospital. Mary from Volunteer Services was kind enough to meet us at the main entrance with a cart to transport the 25 men's and 5 women's backpacks inside. These backpacks will be distributed among two different programs for Veterans only. One being the methadone clinic that is run out of this hospital: most of these clients are homeless, and the second is a residential program at the hospital for men and women Veterans that have Substance Use Disorder (S.U.D.). Each of these backpacks included all of the usual assortment of personal needs items and it also contained an extensive Veterans Resource Booklet of Veterans services and SUD recovery services available throughout the state.

We are extremely proud to be able to support our United States Veterans in any way that we can.

"They were once there for us; now its time for us to be there for them".

Sometimes when you give, you also receive!

Ricky,Inc. delivers to Norwood veterans

On Friday Jan. 8, 2021 Rich Giacoppo from Ricky,Inc. initiated a new pilot program with the Norwood Veterans Administration Services Director Teddy Mulvehill and delivered to him a starter backpack package of 5 fully loaded backpacks to be issued to local homeless veterans that he encounters. Rich has promised to replace every backpack that gets issued so there will always be some for Teddy and his staff to give out to those in need.

Norwood Veterans DELIVER to Ricky, Inc.

Norwood Veterans Services Director Teddy Mulvehill then surprised Rich when he rolled out a dolly filled with boxes and bags of materials that he wanted to donate to Ricky, Inc. for our backpack program. Included in his donated materials were a lot of the items that we normally include in our custom backpacks. Teddy donated numerous men's sock, shave cream, tissues, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste & toothbrushes, soap, men's combs and beautiful hand-made wool lap blankets (made by the great people at the Norwood Senior Center).

"What a great organization Ricky, Inc. is and helps so very many people in need; it's very impressive what they do. I'm proud to be able to say that I'm a part of it".

January 2021

Norwood veterans

Maine needs fills backpacks

On Friday Jan. 15, 2021 Teddy Mulvehill of Norwood Veterans Services receives a Ricky, Inc. Certificate Of Appreciation and donates several winter jackets that were later given to the Disabled & Limbless Veterans organization.

Maine needs fills backpacks

On Saturday Jan.23, 2021 Dani Laliberte of the Opportunity Alliance and Maine Needs assisted Ricky, Inc in filling 12 backpacks and donating 28 winter care packages from the students (Secret Agents of Kindness) at the Great Falls School in Gorham, ME.

secret agents of kindness

Maine needs fills backpacks

Each winter care kit included a message from the students.

Winter Care Kit

You are not Forgotten.

Know there is always hope

and that you are cared for.

with a caring heart,

Secret Agents of Kindness

Great Falls School

Gorham, Maine

ahope & paaths

On Tuesday Jan. 26, 2021 Ricky, Inc. donated 28 Care Packages, wool blankets and wool shawls to members of BPHC programs AHOPE & PAATHS Boston to be distributed to their clients. These winter care packages were made possible with donated materials from Ricky, Inc. with the help of Maine Needs and the Secret Agents of Kindness from Gorham, Maine.

no more !

ahope & paaths

no more !

This sign is proudly displayed on Albany Street, right next to AHOPE & PAATHS on the Akins Pavillion Building.

We strive to attain this message.

No-one is perfect - No More Stigma

Everyone is going through something so - No More Shame

We must make a difference -

End Overdose

february 2021 is ricky, inc. month at Stop & Shop

Have you heard the news?

Ricky, Inc. has been selected as the beneficiary of the @StopandShop Community Bag Program!

Each time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Stop & Shop at 1415 Providence Highway, Norwood, MA during the month of February 2021 "OR" at any other Stop & Shop location utilizing the "Giving Tag", we will receive a $1 donation.

Please help out our mission at Ricky, Inc. to help others, and shop at the Norwood Stop & Shop during our February fundraising effort.

Giving Tag Program

Other Stop & Shop Locations

Every $2.50 Community Bag comes with an attached Giving Tag.

The Giving Tag provides the opportunity for shoppers at any Stop & Shop location to send the $1 donation from the purchase of the bag to a non-profit of their choice at any time.

If you do not shop at the Norwood store you must use the Giving Tag from your Stop & Shop location to ensure your donation gets allocated to Ricky, Inc. Here's how:

How the Giving Tag Program Works

Step 1

Go to any Stop & Shop store and purchase a $2.50 Community Bag with an attached Giving Tag.

Step 2

Follow the instructions on the Giving Tag within 7 days of purchase:

Visit MyStopandShopCause.com, enter your tag's unique scratch off code and choose your non-profit's name from the list of non-profits (Ricky, Inc.).

If you don't see your organization listed, you can submit it right there on the form!

Ricky, Inc. very much appreciates your involvement in this additional fund raising effort.

ricky, inc. goes west

Proudly wearing new t-shirts

best friends animal sanctuary

Proudly wearing new t-shirts

Michelle Logan & Scott Giacoppo are seen here in Kanab, Utah proudly representing Ricky, Inc. from afar.

Uncle Scott & Michelle have been very generous contributors since the inception of Ricky, Inc. and are considered great assets to the organization.

Logo's on both front & back

best friends animal sanctuary

Proudly wearing new t-shirts

Michelle is overlooking the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" in Kanab while showing off the Ricky acronym on the back of her shirt.

Respecting Individuals with Care & Kindness You matter

best friends animal sanctuary

This is Ricky, Inc.'s first time being represented in Utah and what a great place to land since Ricky really had a love for animals and was an animal activist.

For more about this fantastic organization please visit their web site at https://bestfriends.org/

backpacks to Milestone recovery in Portland maine

Donating the backpacks to milestone

On Thursday January 28, 2021 Nick Giacoppo, one of the 3 Maine Backpack Distribution Coordinators for Ricky, Inc., is seen here donating 12 fully loaded backpacks to Milestone Recovery's Executive Director Oliver Bradeen. He assured Nick that the bags would be distributed to people coming out of their detox and also in their shelter.

Thank you to Corey Misner for assisting Nick in this endeavor.

For more information on Milestone Recovery and it's programs http://milestone-recovery.org/

milestone's street outreach team

The Milestone Recovery Street Outreach team is armed and ready to give out some Ricky, Inc. backpacks.

These fully loaded backpacks were provided by Ricky, Inc. in joint collaboration with Dani Laliberte of Maine Needs and The Secret Agents of Kindness from the Great Falls School in Gorham, ME..

Another fantastic job by Nick Giacoppo who is doing a great job of keeping his brother Ricky's name and memory alive.

ricky, Inc. partners with the Boston Police

On Thursday January 28, 2021 Ricky, Inc. visited with Boston Police Department Commissioner William G. Gross and Deputy Superintendent Michael J. Stratton. The meeting took place in the Commissioner's office with Ricky, Inc. President Rich Giacoppo and Ricky, Inc. Consultant M. Michael Giacoppo. As one of his last duties prior to his retirement, Commissioner Gross assigned Deputy Superintendent Stratton to partner with Ricky, Inc. in our community effort to help less fortunate persons suffering from homelessness, substance use disorder and mental illness. Deputy Stratton is assigned as the commander of the BPD Street Outreach Unit, which is a great community based unit to help persons in need from homelessness, substance use, mental illness and other recovery issues. Commissioner Gross & Deputy Superintendent Stratton are pictured above holding their new Ricky, Inc. t-shirts and displaying our logo and motto.

After meeting with us and discussing our organization and its programs, Deputy Stratton informed Ricky, Inc. that it will be a pleasure to partner with us and he very much looks forward to our first community venture together, hopefully within the next several weeks. He was presented with a Ricky, Inc. fully loaded backpack and was impressed with it's contents and especially the extensive Resource Booklet that we designed. Deputy Stratton shares our commitment to help every person in need that we possibly can and to try to make a difference in peoples lives that are in crisis.

Commissioner Gross stated " I will continue to support and work in partnership with Ricky, Inc. and the Boston Police Department in an effort to help members of our community". He also stated "what you're doing is such great work and something that is badly needed; I'm so happy that you're doing all of this and keeping Ricky's memory alive" . Commissioner Gross wishes to be notified of our activities together in Boston and would like to join us in our community events as a volunteer.

Congratulations to Commissioner Gross who has retired after 37 years of outstanding service to the City Of Boston, the Boston Police Department and it's citizens.

Enjoy the time off my friend, you've earned it!

certificate of appreciation to andrew house

On Mon February 1, 2021, Ricky, Inc. delivered 28 more filled backpacks to the Andrew House - Boston Detox facility along with 20 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies (donated by Ricky's Grandfather Mike Giacoppo) for the clients. We also donated a few dozen books and games for the Ricky Memorial Reading Room. The staff was gracious enough to allow me to visit my son's memorial reading room and I was extremely impressed at what a nice location it is. I know Ricky would have been using that room all day if it was there when he was. Pictured above in the reading room and accepting the Ricky, Inc. Certificate Of Appreciation for all of the great work that they do, is Cherelle Ball Case Aide Manager for the program. We extend our sincerest thanks for all of the staff members at Andrew House for the fantastic work that they do to help people in need.

fenway health center

On Wednesday February 10, 2021 Ricky,Inc delivered 20 backpacks to the Fenway Health Center in Jamaica Plain to be distributed to their LBGTQ clients.

We want to thank them for all the services they provide to the LGBTQ community and their outreach to the community.

upcoming backpack distribution

On Saturday February 20, 2021, Ricky,Inc. will be distributing 60 fully loaded backpacks and numerous other materials at the Boston Public Health Commission's Engagement Center on Atkinson Street in Boston.

We will be accompanied by the Boston Police Departments Street Outreach Unit who will also be distributing needed materials.

Pictured above is our new 2' x 8' Ricky, Inc. banner, which will be on display on our table at all future events.

backpack distribution to the boston engagement center

ricky, inc. banner & backpacks

On Saturday February 20, 2021, Ricky, Inc. partnered with the BPD Street Outreach Unit to provide personal needs items to persons visiting the BPHC Engagement Center.

Ricky, Inc. distributed 64 filled backpacks (38 men & 26 women).

BPD street outreach unit

ricky, inc. banner & backpacks

Thank you to all of the officers in the Boston Police Department Street Outreach Unit for their hard work and generosity towards Ricky, Inc.

With their help we were able to provide some valuable materials and relief to a vulnerable segment of our society.

backpacks, jackets & more

ricky, inc. banner & backpacks

backpacks, jackets & more

Along with Ricky, Inc.s backpacks, the Street Outreach Unit provided jackets, socks, hygiene products, snacks and water to the many people in line from the Engagement Center.

Orderly distribution

backpacks, jackets & more

Once all of the backpacks and other materials were stacked and the recipients were lined up: all of the materials were distributed in a very coordinated fashion.

All recipients were very appreciative and happy to receive their items, especially during such a cold winter month. One man, after inspecting the contents of his new backpack stated "Perfect timing, all of these will come in handy right now".

ricky, inc & BPD

Thank you to Deputy Superintendent Michael Stratton and Sgt. Peter Messina for their leadership in coordinating and organizing this event in partnership with Ricky, Inc. and the Engagement Center.

We look forward to our next event working together again with the BPD.

Pictured above left to right is D.S. Stratton, Rich Giacoppo and Sgt. Peter Messina.

recent backpack distributions

paaths - boston

On Feb. 24, 2021 Bernadette & Rich Giacoppo delivered 18 draw-string style backpacks to PAATHS - Boston and their staff. Each of these stylish backpacks contained the exact same contents as the regular backpacks that we distribute. We look forward to returning to PAATHS for our now "Annual Spring Backpack Distribution".

street outreach - portland maine

On Feb. 26, 2021 and March 4, 2021 Nick Giacoppo and his fiance' Virgina Norton were at it again and made backpack deliveries to Milestone Recovery. During 2 separate distribution efforts, they were able to deliver 26 loaded backpacks and Maine Resource Booklets to the Milestone Outreach Team.

AHOPe - boston

On March 5, 2021 Bernadette and Rich returned to AHOPE - Boston and delivered 19 draw-string style backpacks filled with the usual personal needs items and resource booklets. Sarah and her staff were delighted to accept these donated backpacks and were thrilled to meet Ricky, Inc's mascot / dog Roxy during our outdoor delivery per Covid-19 precautions procedures.

We also look forward to returning to AHOPE for our "Annual Spring Backpack Distribution" with the hopes that we may be able to go inside and actually once again meet the recipients of the backpacks.

Since it's inception, Ricky, Inc. has distributed 839 filled backpacks to people in need in memory of our son, Ricky Giacoppo.

2021 Spring backpack distribution program

We are starting our Spring backpack distribution in the next few weeks. Our plan is to provide over 200 backpacks to recovery homes, Detox programs, Department of Public Health programs that serve those with substance use disorder, and street outreach in the Mass Ave Boston area. Since we started this program in March 2020, we have been able to distribute over 850 filled backpacks to persons in need due to the kindness, compassion and generosity of people like you.

We are in the process of developing a partnership with a recovery home in which we will sponsor one person who has been accepted at the recovery home and provide their first month rent, a food store card, and backpack.

Once someone is released from detox, the next step is to enter a recovery home. Most people in this position cannot afford the first months’ rent in order to get accepted into the house in the first place. With our assistance they can have a place to call home for a month while they pursue employment so that they can pay their own rent and rebuild their lives.

This is our first step in expanding our service to those with SUD seeking recovery. At this time our plan is to sponsor one male and one female per year. With enough support, we will be able to offer more persons seeking recovery opportunities each year.

We would greatly appreciate donations towards our current goals of helping as many persons in need as possible.

Please visit the Help Our Cause link on this website Rickyinc.org.

Donations can be made from there either through PayPal, visiting our Amazon wish list, or sending a monetary donation to our PO Box. Please make out checks to Ricky, Inc.

"Make a difference is someones life."

Thank you in the name of our beloved son Ricky

Our PRECIOUS little boy

2 years ago today

Two years ago today (May 11, 2019) we lost our precious son Ricky. Pictured above as a young boy on a rock jetty on Cape Cod. he enjoyed fishing and swimming with his brothers Christopher and Nicholas here in Hyannis, MA. We spent many years on this jetty and it's beach during his youth and it was a spot that brought us all comfort and joy. The boys would catch fish, collect shells, swim all day and then go home and make sea shell necklaces with Mom & Dad.

Ricky is missed every minute of every day by all of us and God has truly robbed us of his incredible personality, unwavering loyalty and heart warming presence.

We love you and miss you every second of our lives,

Mom, Dad, Chris & Nick

addiction is not the enemy

Ricky,Inc Banner stands proud in front of the state house

Wednesday May 12, 2021 Ricky, Inc.s President Rich Giacoppo and Treasurer Dan Hovey proudly participated in the peaceful walk from Mass & Cass to the State House. This walk was to bring awareness to the horrible conditions that exist in this part of Boston and hope that state and local officials will address the deplorable living conditions and the wide-spread drug use that continues to take lives.

One of Many

Ricky,Inc. was one of many organizations that participated in this walk and each representative got a chance to address the crowd. Above, Rich Giacoppo explains what Ricky, Inc does for homeless people and those suffering from substance use disorder, including veterans. He also noted that he wasn't sure that he could make it today as this walk comes two years & one day after he lost his son.

The past 2 years and especially the last few days have left him and his wife heartbroken and grieving terribly.

Organizers graciously requested and held a moment of silence in remembrance of Ricky.

The mass ave project

Justin Downey of the Mass Ave Project made a powerful speech that had the crowd cheering. It was also a somber speech when he detailed the public health crisis that is currently happening. This very peaceful walk hopes to provide attention to a very serious and dire problem that is spiraling out of control.

the spring backpack distribution program has begun

Andrew house - Boston & Stoughton

On Monday May 17, 2021 Ricky, Inc. started off the Second Annual Spring Backpack Distribution and visited Andrew House in Boston & Stoughton and distributed 34 backpacks to the men's detox programs. We were able to meet with and speak to the clients in both facilities and personally hand deliver the backpacks to them. Pictured above in the Ricky Giacoppo Memorial Reading Room in the Boston facility are Kayla Cardoza, Bernadette Giacoppo of Ricky, Inc. and Cherelle Ball.

ahope & paaths - boston

On Tuesday May 18, 2021 Ricky, Inc. visited AHOPE & PAATHS Boston during their Second Annual Spring Backpack Distribution. PAATHS was issued 35 backpacks for their clients and we had the privilege to go into the newly renovated AHOPE Drop In Center and distribute another 35 backpacks directly to the clients. We were able to speak with them one on one and some were able to share stories about Ricky. All were very gracious and grateful to be receiving the Spring backpacks at such a difficult time. Pictured above with Rich & Bernadette is the wonderful staff at AHOPE.

summer backpacks and more !

Phoenix House - dorchester

On Thursday July 15, 2021 Ricky,Inc visited the Phoenix House in Dorchester and delivered 12 backpacks for the mothers in their program, along with 12 bags filled with age-appropriate toys for their children. This is a great mother and child residential facility that reunites families. Pictured above with the backpacks are Program Director Desiree Rivera, Ricky, Inc Director Bernadette Giacoppo and Assistant Program Director Latesha Watkins.

access program - cambridge

Phoenix House - dorchester

On Monday July 19, 2021 Ricky, Inc delivered 35 loaded backpacks to the Access Program in Cambridge which provides valuable harm reduction and health services to anyone in need. They distribute Narcan and provide other life-saving support.

Ricky, Inc reaches a milestone - 1,000 backpacks

History for ricky,inc

We issued our 1,000th backpack at the Waltham House after one and half years of distributing them to many persons suffering from homelessness, substance use disorder, mental illness, Veterans and many support organizations in need.

The past two years have been very difficult times for us and providing some degree of relief and assistance to persons suffering, helps us with our never-ending heartache and pain from the loss of our beautiful, intelligent son Ricky.

We hope and pray that with everyone's continued support that we may be able to someday post our 2,000th backpack.

Bea & Rich Giacoppo

Mum & Dad

Waltham House

On Friday July 23, 2021 Ricky, Inc delivered 12 backpacks to the Waltham House which is the first residential group home specifically designed for LGBTQ youth in New England, and one of only three of its kind in the nation. We were privileged to provide them with our backpacks once again this year, bringing our current total backpack distribution to 1,007.

Pictured on the right standing with the backpacks on the Waltham House Walk Of Pride stairs are Director Latoya Brown, Ricky,Inc Board of Director's Catherine Mahar & Bernadette Giacoppo and President Rich Giacoppo

summer backpacks

youth on fire - cambridge

VA hospital - jamaica plain

On Monday August 2, 2021 Ricky, Inc delivered 20 backpacks to the Youth On Fire drop-in center in Cambridge. This program is a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for homeless and street-involved youth. The center offers many important resources for high-risk youth including medical care, mental health counseling and many other great programs. Pictured above are Deedi, Bernadette Giacoppo, Catherine and Rich Giacoppo

VA hospital - jamaica plain

On Wednesday August 4, 2021 Ricky, Inc. delivered 40 backpacks to the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain. Most of the backpacks were for the drop-in clinic and others were to be issued to the residential clients in recovery treatment. Picture above are Mary and Evan from Volunteer Services and Rich Giacoppo

maine outreach

outreach coordinators

On Friday August 13, 2021 Nicholas & Virginia Giacoppo distributed 11 fully loaded Summer backpacks to the Milestone Recovery Home Team Mobile Outreach in Portland Maine.

Christopher Giacoppo, who is also a Maine Outreach Coordinator, delivered the backpacks to the couple for distribution.

milestone recovery

outreach coordinators

Courtney & Adam are members of the Milestone Recovery Home Team Mobile Outreach program and accepted the backpacks. They then went out the distribute them to the community on behalf of Ricky, Inc. and Milestone

the stakes are high - "remembering those we lost"

Flag Planting team

It took a group effort to plant over 9,000 memorial flags on the Foxboro Town Common on Saturday August 21, 2021. This was a somber and much needed awareness event organized by Kris Long

Bernadette planting 2019 flags

Bernadette Giacoppo planting a neon green 2019 flag in memory of our son Ricky whom we lost on May 11, 2019

neon green representing 2019

Too high a cost !

1,952 beautiful young lives were lost in 2019 due to accidental overdose.

Different years - different color flags

The different colors of the flags represent the different years in which loved ones were lost to overdose. The past several years in Massachusetts we have averaged over 2,000 lives per year.

ricky, inc. resource table

Different years - different color flags

ricky, inc. resource table

Rich & Bernadette Giacoppo of Ricky, Inc manned a resource information table on Sunday August 29th. They distributed numerous materials about overdose awareness, where and how to get help if your in crisis.

manet community health

Different years - different color flags

ricky, inc. resource table

McKenzie & Kelsey of Manet Community Health Center accepted our invitation to accompany us during this event. They distributed life-saving Narcan to the many people that visited their table