Group Collecting Donations For Foster Children In Bella Bond's Memory
BOSTON (CBS) – A group of Massachusetts mothers is collecting items to give children entering foster care in memory of Bella Bond, the girl previously known only as Baby Doe.
The Remembering Bella Bond Project was started by the South Shore Moms group, which has begun soliciting donations for children who they say often enter foster care with nothing but the clothes they are wearing.
"We want each child to feel our love as they cuddle a stuffed animal, curl up in their own blanket, and get a fresh pair of pajamas," the group said on its Facebook page.
Volunteers gathered in Braintree on Friday to help put donated items into backpacks.
Nicole Doyle helped organize the drive. She says Bella never had a chance in life, and while it may be too late to save Bella, they hope to turn the tragedy into a positive for other children.
"Hopefully turn some of their tears into a few smiles," Doyle told WBZ-TV's Beth Germano.
The group began the project after the death of Bella Bond, a toddler who was found dead on Deer Island in June.
Last month Bella's mother, Rachelle Bond, and her boyfriend, Michael McCarthy, were charged in connection with the girl's death.
The South Shore Moms group is asking for items such as school supplies, clothing, winter wear, and other items like toiletries.
Braintree police officer Ed Woo has also seen the trauma on a child.
"When we take a child out of a home to our station it's a tough transition. Having a stuffed animal or coloring books, it's fantastic," Woo said.
Donation boxes have been set up at some thirty businesses from the south coast and up to New Hampshire.
"Bella was robbed of a chance of having a life and making an impact on the world," said Doyle.
For more information, visit the Remembering Bella Bond Project website.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports
