For Marc Perlman, President of Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), dealing with overstock products is part of his every day life. After all, he had been a closeout retailer for more than 25 years. But when he uncovered an extraordinary buying opportunity on Tyson chicken one day in 2003, and decided to give it away to charity, he had to do more wheeling and dealing than even he had probably bargained for. 

"No one could accept the donation. It was a lot of chicken,” recalls Perlman. “You need space and refrigeration and a nonprofit partner capable of making a quick decision. I made the right call when I phoned Boston Medical Center."

Unwilling to turn down the opportunity to help its patients, BMC gladly accepted the chicken and found places to store it all.

“We had chicken in every available refrigerator on campus,” recalls Norman Stein, vice president of Development at BMC.  “Knowing the impact the food would have for patients who frequented the Food Pantry, everyone was willing to adjust to help accommodate such a generous donation.”

Boston Medical Center’s “can-do” attitude deeply impressed Perlman. Soon after, Marc and his wife Claire toured the hospital and met with Elaine Ullian, President and CEO of BMC. The Perlmans saw a hospital that was always willing to go the extra mile for their patients and staff members that were deeply rooted in the mission.

A devoted partnership soon developed between the Perlmans, their company, Ocean State Job Lot, and BMC.

Soon, green and white eighteen-wheel Ocean State Job Lot trucks were backing into the Albany Street loading dock with food, clothes and coats. These oversized care packages have nourished an important lifeline between BMC and its patients.

The Perlmans’ personal support for the hospital grew and culminated in a million dollar gift to the Moakley Building in 2006.

A new phase of Ocean State Job Lot’s support for BMC began in their New England stores when they began selling pinups to raise money for cancer care at BMC. For the several weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, customers are asked to donate a dollar or more to “Compassionate Cancer Care for Everyone.”

To date the program has raised over $600,000. This year's program begins this week at OSJL stores.

“What started with 40,000 pounds of chicken has turned into a partnership that we are proud to support,” says Perlman. “What rang true to Claire and me in 2003 remains steadfast today – BMC is diligent in its efforts to provide exceptional care for everyone in the Boston community.”