Radiothon Seeking ‘Change Bandits’

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 beginning March 6 and ending March 8.

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 collect loose change, or even dollar bills, from their family, friends, co-workers and classmates to kick off the radiothon benefiting Baystate Children’s Hospital.

This year’s change bandit program is sponsored by Pioneer Valley Federal Credit Union.

Change bandits must collect donations prior to the beginning of the radiothon on March 6. 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.

Registered change bandits will have their name placed into a drawing to win a trip for two to Orlando, Fla., including round-trip airfare.

“An exciting new feature to this year’s radiothon is our change bandit ‘Friends Asking Friends’ Web site where anyone can go to easily create their own Web page to assist with their fundraising efforts,” said Michelle Graci, coordinator of fundraising for the Baystate Health Foundation.

After creating their own Web page, change bandits send E-mails to friends, family members, and co-workers asking them to support their fundraising effort and to visit their Web page to donate.

And change bandits can even create team Web pages, including teams of family members, friends, school groups, businesses, or various departments within a company, or they can join their favorite Kellogg Krew personality’s team.

During the often-emotional radiothon last March, listeners pledged a record $212,000 in support of local health care programs for children at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

To create a Web page or join a team, go to www.baystatehealth.com/cmn. For more information, call (413) 794-1486.