‘Change Bandits’ Needed for Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon

SPRINGFIELD — It’s not a crime to be a ‘Change Bandit,’ at least not when it’s for this year’s annual 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, to be broadcast for three days from Thursday, March 5 to Saturday, March 7.

The Children’s Miracle Network is looking for Change Bandits to help them ‘make change’ for local kids who receive their health care at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Change Bandits are volunteers who peacefully collect loose change, or even dollar bills, from their family, friends, co-workers, and classmates to kick off the 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon benefiting Baystate Children’s Hospital.

“Anyone can become a Change Bandit whether on their own or representing their company, school, or organization,” said Chris Kellogg of the Kellogg Krew on 94.7 WMAS.

This year’s Change Bandit program is once again sponsored by Pioneer Valley Federal Credit Union.

“We are pleased to continue our participation in this year’s 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon. It is our philosophy that by strengthening the health of our youth, we will help to build a stronger tomorrow,” said Anabela Pereira, president and chief executive officer of Pioneer Valley Federal Credit Union.

Change Bandits must collect donations prior to the beginning of the Radiothon on March 5. Once signed up as an official Change Bandit, they will receive their Change Bandit gear, including a change bag, badge, stickers, and more, along with a letter detailing their Change Bandit responsibilities.

Change Bandits can also use one online giving program to easily create their own Web page to assist with their fund-raising efforts. After creating their page, Change Bandits send E-mails to friends, family members, and co-workers asking them to support their fundraising effort and to visit their webpage to make a donation.

And Change Bandits can even create team Web pages, including teams of family members, friends, school groups, businesses, or various departments within a company.

Instead of creating one’s own team, anyone can also join the Kellogg Krew team or make a donation to support them.

To create a Web page or join a team, visit www.baystatehealth.com/cmn.

Change Bandits who turn in their collections by March 13, or who have collected donations online through their Web page, will have their name placed into a drawing to win a Nintendo Wii package.

Change Bandits are invited to bring the money they have collected to the Radiothon Kick-Off Party on Tuesday, March 3 at Pazzo Ristorante at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The restaurant will offer a buffet for $9.47 per person, and there will be an opportunity to win prizes. Change Bandits will also be invited to shoot hoops in Center Court at the Basketball Hall of Fame along with WMAS personalities.

During the emotional Radiothon last March, listeners pledged a record $220,000 in support of local health care programs for children at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

“The community is fortunate to have a one-of-a-kind resource such as Baystate Children’s Hospital close to home when a child needs medical care,” said Craig Swimm, general manager of WMAS Radio.

The presenting sponsor for this year’s Radiothon is Health New England, and the Change Bandit Program Sponsor is Pioneer Valley Federal Credit Union.

In addition, Kick-Off Party Hospitality and Entertainment sponsors are Pazzo Ristorante and the Basketball Hall of Fame.

For more information on the Radiothon, visit www.baystatehealth. com/cmn or call (413) 794-1486.