ATHOL — One person is hoping to encourage the community to give a little Easter cheer for the young patients at Shriner’s Hospital.
On March 17, Brandy Racicot of Athol started the Great Egg Drive at Athol Public Library, seeking plastic Easter Eggs filled with stickers and small notes of encouragement. It’s similar to another collection she did two years ago for Valentine’s Day, through which she was able to give several valentines signed by elementary students and stuffed toys to the Shriner’s patients. The eggs can’t have toys or food, due to concerns over choking or allergies.
Racicot had the idea for the collection after learning that the children of friends of hers had been diagnosed with cancer and wanted to help in some way. She’s planning to expand this drive to other hospitals in the future.
“It drove me to do a lot more,” she said. “A lot of families don’t have much to help when their kids are sick.”
In addition to the collection box at the library, Racicot will be placing others at Athol Community Elementary School, Royalston Community School, Athol Town Hall and Athol Congregational Church. The collection will continue through April 6 and be delivered on April 8.
Max Bowen can be reached at mbowen@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 265.
