When tragedy strikes, the community answers. That is exactly what thousands of people around the country did for those affected by the Boston bombings. For Weymouth sophomores Kacie and Kelly Higgins the event happened in their backyard and they wanted to do something to help the victims. Kacie says that is when they came up with the idea of marathon bracelets.
"Our coach asked the team what we could do to help so I came up with the idea of making the bracelets in the marathon colors (blue and gold). When my sister, Kelly, heard the idea she wanted to help make the bracelets with me. We made over 200 bracelets, raising close to $1,000 for the One Fund Boston."
The sisters distributed the bracelets to teammates and friends who couldn't wait to buy them. One weekend they invited teammates over to help in the process. At Weymouth's first meet after the tragedy, the girls gave their opponent, Brookeline's two milers, bracelets to show solidarity for the victims of the events. Coach Mike Miller, who nominated them, says it is nice to see such a spirit of volunteerism and empathy come from these wonderful young women.
"I was just so amazed by the initiative the girls took. Nobody asked them to do that, not me, not their parents. I remember thinking at that time that I hope my daughters grow up like them."
As winners of the New Balance Local Heroes contest they will receive an awards party at a local running store and their cross country team will be outfitted with New Balance running shoes. Kelly says it is great to know that their commitment to community is being recognized.
"It felt great to be nominated for the New Balance Local Heroes contest and to know the work we did was acknowledged and appreciated. We had no idea that making these bracelets would go this far and it means a lot that we were chosen out of everyone in our region."