Downtown (and Uptown) Athol scarfbombed

By GREG VINE

For the Athol Daily News

Published: 01-09-2023 3:10 PM

ATHOL — Motorists heading through downtown Athol Monday morning may have wondered what was going on as they spied signposts donned with scarves or parking meters topped with knit hats.

No, it’s not part of some new winter public works initiative to extend the lives of these Main Street accoutrements, but rather an effort to provide comfort to those folks in need of a little something to help keep warm as temperatures dip.

Not counting the two winters when COVID was rampant, Ann Willhite, the owner of Déjà Vu Women’s Consignment, has since 2015 done her part to help local residents who may not have the wherewithal to purchase even the little things required to make it through the New England winters. So, on Sunday, Willhite and about 10 volunteers gathered in her store at 479 Main St. to organize the distribution of several large bags of knitted hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves to various location in and around the downtown area.

Willhite calls it a “scarf bombing,” but this bombing is meant to spread the spirit of compassion throughout the community. The items are draped over tree limbs and fences, wrapped around street signs and utility poles, placed atop parking meters and other items; essentially placed anywhere in easy reach of those wanting to grab any. Locations include the Uptown Common, Uptown Veterans Park, the area around Town Hall and Athol Public Library, near the YMCA, both sides of Main Street, and Veterans Park at the corner of Main and Exchange streets.

Willhite told the Athol Daily News that the idea for the annual event originated in a neighboring community.

“Bonny Bradshaw in Orange used to do it on a much smaller scale,” she said. “I just thought it was a fantastic idea, so I just ran with it. I’m just so lucky to have so many people who donate, and people who come and help.

“I would say this year – the last few years – the majority of (items) have been beautiful handknit items. Look at these, they’re absolutely stunning,” said Willhite, gesturing to a mountain of items piled on her store’s checkout counter “Most of these are from talented women who like to sit in front of the TV and knit. So we’re very fortunate to have these beautiful, quality things.”

Willhite added that some of the contributions come from people who have purchased items specifically for the event. This year, well over 500 items have been sprinkled around town.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

A tag is affixed to each item telling people to feel free to take it, but if the finder doesn’t truly need the hat, scarf, or mittens, they’re urged to leave them for those who are in need.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.

]]>