Wakefield girl helps make Winchester hospital stay more welcoming

She decided to collect books and magazines to donate to the hospital. During the summer, Michaud created and distributed a flier explaining the drive to family members, friends, and neighbors. She painted drop-off boxes and signs for three locations: her home, her father’s office in Burlington, and her grandmother’s home in Lynnfield.

As the donations poured in, the seventh-grader at Wakefield’s Galvin Middle School said, they nearly overtook her garage.

On Nov. 15, Michaud and her parents, Lori and Rick, sister Julia, and brother Owen delivered 300 magazines, 130 new children’s books, 20 new adult books, four new crossword and Sudoku books, and five new stuffed animals to Winchester Hospital. Additionally, she plans to donate 40 used books to a local library.

Jillian Buttaro, manager of adult volunteers at Winchester Hospital, said the books are being divided among the pediatric unit, emergency department, and day surgery unit. The magazines are being distributed in waiting rooms throughout the hospital.

“I want kids and adult patients to know someone is doing something for them,’’ Michaud said. “I want them to feel good when they are in the hospital.’’

Lori Michaud noted that her daughter used her own money to purchase the stuffed animals and several books.

“As a mother, it was so wonderful to see Olivia learn this lesson in doing good for other people,’’ she said. “We’re fortunate that we haven’t had to utilize Winchester Hospital too often, but we’ve had a great experience every time we’ve come. This was a wonderful chance to give back.’’

Michaud said she intends to purchase books for donation to Winchester Hospital each fall until she graduates from high school.

“If you do it once, you just help once,’’ she said. “I want to keep helping.’’

JINGLE BELL TAP TODAY: The Sunset Tappers ensemble from Andover performs at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill at 2 p.m. today.

Led by Audrey Nason of Andover, the group features dancers ranging in age from 52 to 85.

The Sunset Tappers was organized in 2003 by the Andover Senior Center as a form of exercise for older residents. It has since expanded and the group now dances weekly year-round. It also entertains throughout New England.

Today’s performance in the college’s David Hartleb Technology Center will feature a Christmas tap routine. Admission is $2.

The event is part of Northern Essex’s Lifelong Learning program, which offers lectures, study groups, and trips for adults.

For more information, call 978-556-3825 or e-mail Charlene Boucher at cboucher@ necc.mass.edu.

PET ADOPTIONS: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is joining with Subaru dealers nationwide to raise awareness of animal homelessness and to help increase adoptions.

Subaru of Wakefield is the local host of the ASPCA’s Share the Love campaign, culminating in an event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the dealership, 888 Main St.

The free event features cat adoptions by the Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society Inc.; dog adoptions by Echo Dogs, a nationwide network with a branch in Londonderry, N.H., that specializes in white German shepherds; raffles; bargains on pet-related items; microchipping and nail-trimming services by VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital; dog and cat goodie bags for the first 200 visitors; and holiday pet pictures. Also, Dr. Bethany Innis, a veterinarian at Sleepy Dog Acupuncture and Holistic Home Care in Medford, answers questions about alternative medicine for animals.

PAWS is asking people to drop by its donation station at Subaru of Wakefield during showroom hours through Saturday. Suggested donations are cat and dog food, bedding, and kitty litter. They will be distributed to PAWS foster homes, other participating organizations, and families who cannot afford pet items.

PAWS is an all-volunteer nonprofit serving many area communities. The group was founded in Wakefield in 1982 by Esther Nowell, and its mission is to promote the rights and well-being of all domestic animals and wildlife and to foster greater understanding of animal rights and welfare.

Call 781-246-6111 or visit www.pawswakefield.rescuegroups.org.

WHO’S WHAT WHERE: Two podiatrists have joined Winchester Hospital: Dr. Teresa J. Burtoft of North Andover and Dr. Christine F. Dalrymple of Pelham, N.H. Both have practices at the Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley in North Andover.

Items can be sent to wdkilleen@ gmail.com.