DiGrigoli School Delivers Festive Pumpkins to Shriners Kids

SPRINGFIELD — Every Halloween, students at DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield decorate and donate an array of pumpkins to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield. This year was no different.

On Oct. 28, approximately 40 of the best pumpkins were delivered, painted with artistic designs and familiar characters meant to brighten the day for the children and their families. Dressed in costumes, a group of DiGrigoli students went to the hospital themselves to donate Olaf, Pikachu, Jack Skellington, a Minion, a Ninja Turtle, and several more characters and designs to the appreciative children.

“Patients and families are thrilled to receive a special surprise which helps to make their visit to the hospital less stressful,” said Lee Roberts, public relations specialist for Shriners. “We are all very grateful for DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology’s continued support in helping us carry out our mission of improving the lives of children every day.”

School owner Paul DiGrigoli, purchases more than 80 pumpkins every year as a part of a Halloween-themed design competition for the students.

“We love this,” he said. “Our students and faculty love the children and really enjoy this event. Community is very important to us.”