Agawam woman working to keep children warm this winter

Date: 11/25/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



AGAWAM -- An Agawam woman is continuing an effort to help keep children warm this year.

Trish Perrault is asking area residents to donate new children's hats, mittens or gloves to locations in Agawam, Springfield, Wilbraham and Westfield before Dec. 12.

Two years ago, Perrault spearheaded a similar drive that collected 360 items that were distributed to children at the pediatric clinics operated by Baystate Children's Hospital in Springfield.

Perrault works as a marketing manager for Baystate Medical Center and said she has seen children come into the medical center's inner city clinics with hands that were chapped and cracked.

"The image stayed with me," she said.

She said that with current economic conditions more people are struggling and the need is greater.

"Kids need to stay warm," she said.

She has not set a goal for contributions. "The last time I was so surprised at the response," she said.

"This time I don't have a goal and I'm looking forward to being surprised again," she added.

Donations may be made of hats, gloves and mittens in sizes from toddler to teen at the following locations:

• Geissler's Supermarket, Suffield Street, Agawam

• Fitness First, North Westfield Street, Feeding Hills

• LifeDance Productions, 22 Cherry St., Westfield

• Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 48 Court St., Westfield

• The Westfield Athenaeum on Elm Street, Westfield

• The YMCA locations in Springfield (Chestnut Street) and Wilbraham (Post Office Park).