‘Scarf bombing’ gives away more than 400 donated hats and scarves

Stephanie McClure wraps scarves around one of the signs downtown for the ‘scarf bombing,’ held on Sunday, Jan. 12.

Stephanie McClure wraps scarves around one of the signs downtown for the ‘scarf bombing,’ held on Sunday, Jan. 12. PHOTO BY GREG VINE

Stephanie McClure wraps scarves around one of the signs downtown for the ‘scarf bombing,’ held on Sunday, Jan. 12.

Stephanie McClure wraps scarves around one of the signs downtown for the ‘scarf bombing,’ held on Sunday, Jan. 12. PHOTO BY GREG VINE

Sue MacEwen stops along Main Street to wrap a parking meter with some scarves.

Sue MacEwen stops along Main Street to wrap a parking meter with some scarves. PHOTO BY GREG VINE

Dana Mallet (front) and Lindsay Franklin decorate the railing at the bus stop across from the Athol Area YMCA for the annual ‘scarf bombing.’ Now in its 10th year, volunteers arranged more than 400 donated scarves, hats and gloves.

Dana Mallet (front) and Lindsay Franklin decorate the railing at the bus stop across from the Athol Area YMCA for the annual ‘scarf bombing.’ Now in its 10th year, volunteers arranged more than 400 donated scarves, hats and gloves. PHOTO BY GREG VINE

Athol resident Lori Brockney (center) avails herself of some of the items left in downtown Athol by Lindsay Franklin (left) and Dana Mallet.

Athol resident Lori Brockney (center) avails herself of some of the items left in downtown Athol by Lindsay Franklin (left) and Dana Mallet. PHOTO BY GREG VINE

By GREG VINE

For the Athol Daily News

Published: 01-13-2025 3:01 PM

ATHOL – Volunteers spread out around downtown Athol Sunday to adorn parking meters, signs, trees and railings with scarves, mittens, gloves and warm socks for the annual “scarf bombing.”

This marked the 10th year Déjà Vu Women’s Consignment owner Ann Willhite has organized the event, meant to bring comfort to area residents in need of a little warmth during the cold winter months.

“It’s a great idea,” said Kathy Bryce. “I knit and crochet, so I contribute some of the items that are put out.”

She and her husband David were among those who donated part of their Sunday afternoon to distributing the winter items collected by Willhite in recent months.

“She can convince people to do most anything,” said Kathy.

Willhite’s daughter Dana Mallet was joined by family friend Lindsay Franklin as they headed off to leave items around Town Hall, Athol Public Library and the Athol Area YMCA.

“It’s only two hours,” said Franklin, “and if it helps out some people it’s worth it.”

“We’ve done this every year since it started,” added Mallet. “People really seem to appreciate it.”

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While the pair were hanging items from the railing behind the MART bus stop near the YMCA they were approached by Lori Brockney, who asked if she could have one of the hats in Franklin’s hands – a purple one. Before departing, Brockney had secured a hat, gloves and a pair of socks for a friend who was with her at the bus stop.

“We really need these. We really appreciate it,” she said with a smile.

Sue MacEwen said her friendship with Willhite motivates her to help out.

“It’s something I’m glad to do,” she said. “But I enjoy it….We didn’t know this at first, but our dads worked at the post office together. Besides, Ann is hard to say ‘no’ to.”

Of the nearly 400 items donated to the scarf bombing, Willhite predicted most would be gone from downtown Athol within a week or two.

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