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#HeyThanks: Showcasing local acts of kindness during the coronavirus pandemic

With all of the news and updates regarding COVID-19 and its negative impacts, Boston 25 News has created a new segment to showcase the positive things happening as communities band together to help each other.


North Reading 12-year-old donates bracelets to frontline workers

Norfolk coffee shop owner ‘blown away’ by support from local police officers

This morning, the METRO SWAT Team comprised of area Police Departments heard Cilla's Coffeehouse needed some support....

Posted by Norfolk,MA Police on Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Artist dedicates mural in Salem to teachers

Family, friends throw birthday parade for retired firefighter

Walpole Police hand out positive tickets to kids

Elvis impersonator puts on a show in Shrewsbury

Quarantine bears bring comfort - and a matching mask - for kids

Read the full story

Nurse surprised with birthday car parade

Boston Police give out masks in East Boston

Amesbury firefighters do the Blinding Lights Dance Challenge

Keolis helps 13-year-old boy with autism celebrate his birthday

A 13-year-old boy with autism with a love for trains celebrated his birthday in great style with the help of some friends at Keolis.

Roxbury church gives away $125K in donations to hundreds of families

The money donated by the church will go towards buying groceries and even helping families pay their rent and other bills.

81-year-old battling breast cancer makes 8,000 masks at home

A local woman who has been battling cancer during this pandemic has taken her free time and used it to make 8,000 masks for her community.

James Taylor, family share song with healthcare workers at MGH, Brigham and Women’s

Massachusetts-native James Taylor and his family shared a message of thanks and a song with healthcare workers on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

>> James Taylor, wife donate $1 million to MGH during COVID-19 pandemic

World War II veteran turns 96, celebrates with police parade

Walpole High seniors raise money for ALS with socially distant Ice Bucket Challenge

Robert Kraft auctioning Patriots’ Super Bowl LI ring as part of the All In Challenge

Local company donates lunch, flowers to Boston hospital for Mother’s Day

New Hampshire National Guard distributes food at local pantry

Glass artisans in Worcester create face shields for healthcare workers

Grieving Newton Wellesley nurse is a hero in the hospital and the home

Read the full story

Todd Angilly sings the National Anthem for frontline workers at Lahey Hospital

Winchester firefighter helps family see their brother with the help of a cherry picker

First responders say #HeyThanks to nursing home staff in Norton

Residents in Canton throw birthday parade for veteran’s 95th birthday

First responders hold parade for front line workers at Brockton Hospital

Bellingham woman surprises grocery shoppers with gift cards

Many early-morning shoppers in Bellingham were surprised to see a kind stranger outside a Market Basket handing them gift cards.

Local company runs to hospital’s rescue to save 50,000 defective masks from dumpster

It was a rapidly disappearing commodity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. And so, when a box of 50,000 donated N-95 face masks arrived a few weeks ago, doctors and nurses were relieved.

Luckily, Boston-based New Balance was nearby to help.

South Shore Hospital health care workers celebrated on National Superhero Day

April 28 is National Superhero Day and health care workers at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth got a warm welcome from Batman, Iron Man, Superman and Green Lantern.

Man spreads joy through music in Halifax

Destined to brighten up people’s day during the pandemic, a local musician put on a concert this weekend to spread a little joy.

Tewksbury Police officer returns to check in on family she helped

A local police officer went back on Saturday to check in on the family she had helped the week before when the family’s 3-year-old was hurt when playing with his brother.

Steve Carell thanks health care workers at Emerson Hospital

Actor Steve Carell made a special video thanking health care workers fighting the pandemic at Emerson Hospital in Concord.

Carell was born there and his mother worked there for decades.

WWII vet gets surprise celebration for 99th birthday

Well over 100 people surprised a WWII veteran on Sunday with a birthday parade by his nursing home. Ottavio Cerullo just turned 99 years old.

“We were going to try to plan something big for him, but then this all got in the way,” said Shari Sweeney, who works with Cerullo at the Compass on the Bay Assisted Living Facility in Boston.

Sweeney says because of COVID-19, they could no longer throw Cerullo a birthday party, so she worked with Boston city leaders in the mayor’s office to organize a huge parade Sunday.

Read the full story here.

Bridgewater shows up to celebrate 3-year-old’s birthday

Veteran celebrates 100th birthday with surprise parade in Watertown

Bridgewater restaurant working to feed families in need

Wahlburgers traveling across the state to feed local first responders

Anonymous ‘pizza bandit’ helping feed Quincy first responders

In recent weeks, an anonymous woman has been paying for hundreds of dollars in pizza. The woman is being dubbed the “pizza bandit.”

Anonymous donor pays for groceries during Senior Shopping Hour at a Peabody Shaws

Weymouth company’s ‘Resilience 2020’ shirt sales raise $25K for local hospitals

With the Massachusetts stay-at-home advisory keeping College Hype’s physical doors closed, Jack Doherty and some of his furloughed employees have been volunteering their time by creating and selling shirts through an online pop-up store and donating the money to area hospitals to supply nurses and doctors with PPE.


Whitman teen raises thousands for local food pantry

One local teenager took matters into her own hands and decided to help out her community in a big way.


Andover High students crank out face shields for health care workers

Pratheek Kuimanda teamed up with five of his close friends from Andover High School to make 3-D-printed face shields.

The group recently got a grant from the Service Club of Andover to increase their production and are now getting help from the wider community. The group is on track to producer more than 450 face shields for health care workers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Lawrence General Hospital - and is getting requests from nursing homes as well.

The students would like to increase their production even more so they can help supply additional facilities with face shields.

If you’d like to help, visit ppehealthcare.weebly.com.


Shirt company offers free T-shirts for making donated masks

The owner of I Love Boston Sports is putting old inventory to good use by distributing T-shirts that can made into masks. The shirts are free, but must be donated and not sold. You can message I Love Boston Sports on Facebook for more information.

Worcester County Sheriff and reserve deputies run errands for seniors

So seniors in Auburn could stay safe at home, the Worcester County Sheriff and his reserve deputies ran errands for them and made sure to deliver groceries and other necessities to their doors!

13-year-old Cambridge boy feeding homeless through pandemic

Three years ago, Liam Hannon says he was looking for an alternative to a traditional summer camp. He says he found a calling, helping the homeless right outside his front door in Central Square in Cambridge.

If you would like to learn more or donate, click here.

Lynnfield middle schooler creating N95 masks with 3D printer

When 14-year-old Cam Sullivan asked his parents for a 3D Printer for Christmas, he never imagined he’d be using it to potentially save lives.

When the pandemic hit, Cam, who his mom says is “always tinkering, always inventing," wanted to help. His father works in hospitals and the Sullivan family has several friends and relatives who are nurses.

He found a 3D mask template online and got to work. Cam says the main toll is on the printer but the process is relatively easy. The masks take about 15 hours to print and he’s been running his 3D printer nonstop.

His message to others: "If anyone has a 3D printer, why not do it? It’s helping out.”

Cam’s masks will go to health care workers with ties to his family, including his hockey coach’s wife and the relative of a friend, who are both nurses.

You can find the template here: makethemasks.com

Entertainment director creates fundraisers for restaurants in Stoneham

After he couldn’t conduct his business due to the social shutdown caused by COVID-19, Bill D’Orio decided to use his knowledge from the entertainment business to help raise funds for local restaurants.

Hingham family thanks nurses who saved father with ‘angel’ fund

We’re saying #HeyThanks to the Hingham family of a man fighting COVID-19.

They’re so thankful to the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital for keeping him alive, they’re now raising money to help those healthcare workers.

Unexpected joy in a Pittsfield UPS driver’s blog

UPS driver Jeremy Squires loves his job.

For 20 years, he has been delivering packages in the western Massachusetts city of Pittsfield and he has a real passion for the people he serves.

Local family creates special wall outside Lawrence General Hospital

One local family set up a wall outside Lawrence General Hospital in honor of EMS workers.

Former Northeastern hockey player steps up to assist those fighting Coronavirus

A Northeastern graduate and former hockey player who now owns a protective gear business is using his tools to help make face masks for medical workers.

Easter parade thrown for retired Salem firefighter

Johnny Kapnis of Salem, Massachusetts is a 91-year-old retired firefighter. He has 11 children, 26 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. His family joined forces with the Salem Fire Department to give him a special Easter parade he’ll never forget.

Brookline Police share photo of comfort dog in virtual meeting

Many people are getting used to virtual meetings as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused stay-at-home advisories and dogs are no exception. The Brookline Police Department shared these adorable pictures of their comfort dog participating in a virtual meeting.

The Department wrote “The COVID-19 emergency is being addressed through close collaboration on a local, state and federal level. In that spirit, Brookline Police Comfort Dog Bear took part in a virtual meeting with his peers from other area agencies.”

Needham family shifts from making bags, accessories to masks

The Goldstein family has switched production at their factory where they work with bag and accessories to making masks and donating them. They have even hired college students to help get high demand items to people who need them most. Any frontline worker in need of a mask can order one from their website at no charge and they will ship it out right away.

Watertown family finds unique way to get mom and dad back together after quarantining

A local family found a creative way to get their mom and dad face to face for the first time in weeks.

Companies team up to make headbands for heroes

Turns out wearing a mask nonstop can have some physical side effects you may not have predicted. Two companies, The Cue and Custom Sports Sleeves, heard about this problem and paired up to solve it.

Reading woman makes memorable trip to the grocery store

A Reading woman is putting lots of smiles on lots of faces after she posted about her memorable trip to the grocery store.

Quincy Police officer helps man get back home

Officer Steve Kelly of the Quincy Police Department to the rescue! He helped a man whose electric scooter ran out of juice. Officer kelly pushed the officer home and got him all the way up to his apartment on the 4th floor.

Health care workers wearing masks more comfortably, thanks to South Shore 12-year-old

Twelve-year-old Harry Holbrook is spending a lot of time at his computer, but it’s not all schoolwork.

The Rockland sixth-grader is using his 3D printer to make mask relief bands for nurses and health care workers after he found a design online and began making the homemade extenders.

"It's a good feeling when you know you helped someone today," said Holbrook.

The extenders help relieve soreness around the ears since many nurses and health care workers are wearing the masks for hours on end.

Health care workers, first responders open up about being on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19

Doctors, nurses and first responders are risking their own health and safety as well as that of their families to care for sick people and save lives.

Workers on the front lines say while it hasn’t been easy, they know they committed to helping out their community and understand the importance of their skills at a time like this.

But, we wanted to know, from those putting their lives on the line to save others: why do they do what they do?

Socially distant Easter Bunny hops, dances around Norwood

While the coronavirus outbreak has canceled most visits and pictures with the Easter Bunny, one town is arranging for socially distant home visits from the bunny himself.

Parents who schedule visits online with the Norwood Recreation Department receive a call giving them the heads-up that the Easter Bunny is on his way.

Kids watch from a distance as the hopping and dancing rabbit spends a few minutes in their front yard, waving and tossing chocolate treats from their partner and local candy shop, Furlong’s Candies.


UNH uses 3-D printers to make masks for health care workers

As part of our #HeyThanks segment, we’re highlighting the work the University of New Hampshire is doing to help support their community by providing supplies for health care workers. The university is also converting their gym as a space to treat COVID-19 patients.

New England Patriots’ plane transporting more than 1 million masks to Massachusetts

The Patriots’ plane is picking up N95 masks from China for Mass. health care workers.

MORE: Patriots plane delivering over 1 million N95 masks for Mass. health care workers

Health care workers at Tufts Medical Center receive handwritten notes

The windows of Tufts Medical Center are now adorned with handwritten messages sent to healthcare workers on the front lines fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Patriots, Kraft family creating thousands of food kits for military families

Local teen making masks for health care workers

Giulia Sousa, a junior at Everett High School, is making masks for health care workers and residents at nursing homes.

So far, she’s made 500 masks.

Canine Companions for Independence launches live puppy cam

Adorable!

You can now watch puppies live thanks to Canine Companions for Independence.

Family gathers to wish their Nana happy birthday

A woman who turned 83 at Brightview Senior Living in Canton was serenaded by her family who practiced social distancing and sang to her.

Gronk and Camille Kostek donate masks to hospitals

Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and his girlfriend, Sports Illustrated model Camille Kostek, have donated 20,000 N95 masks to Boston Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Health Foundation.

Pembroke coffee shop serving up positive messages

Employees at the Dunkin’ in Pembroke Center are putting a smile on faces by scribbling positive messages on coffee cups for customers. The messages? "Nothing but positivity” and “Have a Great Day!”

Retirement community employee spreads joy by singing to residents

The head of housekeeping at Salmon Health and Retirement says he was called to spread love and joy. He did so by singing to residents! Some other employees helped out by wheeling him around the community.

Burlington teachers host parade to cheer up students

Teachers in Burlington who miss their students decided to host a parade to let them know they are missed.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass. donate masks and cookies

As the Girl Scouts cooking selling season comes to an abrupt end due to COVID-19, Girl Scouts are donating the rest of their cookies to healthcare workers and first responders.

Look for the helpers! Giada, a Junior Girl Scout, has been helping her Dad, Michael Sabatini, create protective masks...

Posted by Hingham Girl Scouts on Sunday, March 22, 2020

Marshfield residents host birthday parade for 10-year-old girl

Ally Wilson from Marshfield turned 10-years-old and a group of moms organized a birthday parade to help celebrate while practicing social distancing rules.

Nantucket residents help boy celebrate his 3rd birthday

Louie was all set to celebrate his third birthday with his friends at school until the COVID-19 pandemic caused school closures and social distancing rules. His mother reached out to the community Facebook page and asked residents to drive by and wish him a Happy Birthday.

Residents came out and gave Louie a birthday he will never forget.

Posted by Kayla Larivee on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Medway residents unite for #Medwaytogetherwecan

Residents in Medway are spreading unity and pride by lighting candles and singing together at 8 p.m. every night.

Medway....Let’s all join in on this terrific idea and show our Medway pride! It’s easy and free. All you have to do is put a candle in your window and gather your family on your front porch or driveway at 8:00 p.m. each night and share your vocal talents. Let’s do this! #unity #community #Medwaytogetherwecan (Please share your videos!)

Posted by Town of Medway, MA on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

RIST 3D Printing creating medical shields for healthcare workers

A team of 3D printing enthusiasts from Worcester and New York are making medical shields for healthcare workers on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Easton teacher does drive-by visits with dog

Cindy Bader is a Special Education Preschool Teacher in Easton and she brought along her dog Dunkin to drive by the homes of her students.

Kingston boy delivers food to woman in isolation

Twelve-year-old Caleb Quigley delivered homemade kale soup, a grilled cheese sandwich and toilet paper to his friend’s great grandmother who his family adopted as their “Nona.”

Microblading salon donates supplies to local hospital

Boston microblading salon, Browstetics, donated masks and gloves to healthcare workers at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Local firefighters union reading to children

Firefighters with Holbrook Firefighters IAFF Local 1452 took to social media to read books to children.

Tonight’s story is read by FF Paramedic Jared. GOING TO THE FIREHOUSE by MERCER MAYER

Posted by Holbrook Firefighters IAFF Local 1452 on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Starbucks offering free coffee to front-line responders

Those on the front lines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic can get a free tall brewed coffee from Starbucks until May 3rd.

Beacon Street neighbors gather to sing each day

Residents who live on Beacon Street in Boston are promoting unity and positivity by singing together every day at 6 pm.

Walpole photographer starts “Front Porch Project” to raise money for ALS research

Leslie Browne, a well-known photographer in Walpole, practiced social distancing while taking pictures of families to raise money for ALS.

MORE: Walpole photographer taking family portraits to raise money for ALS

Honey Dew Donuts in Plainville offering discounts to healthcare workers and first responders

The Honey Dew Donuts in Plainville will be offering discounts to healthcare workers and first responders in the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic.

Givewave Studios & Lowell Makes create masks for hospitals

Design shop Givewave Studios partnered with nonprofit Lowell Makes to create maks for healthcare workers at hospitals.


Local fashion designer making masks for healthcare workers

Local fashion designer Kelly Dempsey, who was featured on Season 14 of Project Runway, took to social media to share her mission of making masks for healthcare workers who desperately need them during the coronavirus pandemic.

Those interested in helping Kelly can reach out to her on Instagram.

Mass. State Rep and Haverhill City Council president donate supplies to local hospitals and healthcare facilities

Sharon Fire and Police Departments offer food assistance help

The Sharon Police Department tweeted that anyone who needs food assistance should call the Sharon Fire Department or send an email to jwright@townofsharon.org.

Boston Conservatory musicians perform in virtual orchestra

Students with the Boston Conservatory at the Berklee College of Music performed “What the World Needs Now” by Burt Bacharach. Each musician recorded a video of themself singing the song and it was put together to create a virtual orchestra.

Teachers host parades for their students

Teachers from Carver Elementary School were escorted by members of the Carver Fire and Police Departments for a parade to say hello to their students while practicing safe social distancing.

Teachers from Northwest Elementary School in Leominster held a teacher’s parade to practice social distancing while visiting students.

West Yarmouth Fish and Lobster gave out free clams

The family-owned and operated restaurant gave away free clams to members of the community.

Bethenny Frankel’s bstrong program donates coronavirus kits

The bstrong program is a disaster relief initiative that provides real-time emergency assistance to individuals and their families in crisis with much-needed supplies.

Bethenny Frankel spoke to Boston 25 Morning News anchor Elizabeth Hopkins about bstrong’s coronavirus kits.

You can donate here.

Cameron’s drive-by birthday surprise

Cameron from Gloucester was supposed to have a skating birthday party to celebrate turning 5 years old on March 21, but it was canceled due to coronavirus. His friends still wanted to show Cameron they cared so they all did a drive-by hello to wish him a Happy Birthday!

Walpole bakery sending cupcakes for birthday celebrations impacted by COVID-19

One Walpole-based bakery is looking to help local parents celebrate their children’s upcoming birthdays with free cupcakes, according to the company’s post on social media Friday evening.

The bakery, Melt in Your Mouth, is doing so to help spread cheer to children with upcoming birthdays that have been, or likely will be, impacted by social distancing brought about by COVID-19.

South Shore Children’s Chorus performs virtually

South Shore Children’s Chorus can’t perform together in person because of the coronavirus outbreak, as all rehearsals and events are suspended through at least April 7. But that didn’t stop the children from letting the show go on.

>> South Shore Children’s Chorus comes together virtually for song

Central Square Florist donates free flowers

Central Square Florist had an abundance of flowers. It usually does, but their shop was especially filled as weddings, parties and even funerals had been canceled. The family-owned business decided to do what it can to help out other businesses struggling under the smothering stillness across the city.

>> Central Square Florist offering free flowers to brighten up a dreary day of social distancing

Weymouth “pop-up-pantry”

A Weymouth man has set up a “pop-up pantry” for seniors to get free in-demand supplies during the coronavirus outbreak.

>> Weymouth man sets up free “pop-up pantry” for seniors amid coronavirus outbreak

You can find more news on coronavirus here.