'Band-Aid' Drive Takes Off

Earlier this month, I profiled local first-grader Alyssa Klebasko and her effort to collect kid-friendly bandages for use at Johns Hopkins Children's Center. 

Alyssa, if you recall, is in treatment for leukemia, but is working with her mom, Gretchen to collect enough bandages for new "Band-Aid Books" to help cheer up other children with cancer.

I recently heard from officials at the School of the Incarnation, which has already collected thousands of bandages. It plans to hold two "Dress Down Days" in September, in which students at the school can dress out of uniform if they donate bandages or $1 to buy them. One of the days will be held Thursday, which is National Dress 4 Pediatric Cancer Day.

Meanwhile, the Chick-fil-A restaurant in Gambrills will collect bandages from Thursday to Saturday. People also can donate bandages at the Chick-fil-A tent at Crofton's Festival on the Green on Saturday. Anyone who donates a box of bandages will receive a free small sundae or a coupon for a free small sundae.

Other businesses, including the Hops N' Vines store in Piney Orchard, are collecting bandages, as well.