'Maddy's Meds' raises another $1,450 to help pay for medicines for senior citizens

LACONIA — Three years ago, when their daughter Madison was in first grade, Allan and Wendy Kirker began noticing that money left laying around the house was disappearing. While cleaning house, they opened their daughter's toy cash register.

"We found coins and bills stuffed into the register," said Wendy. "There was even a $5 bill." She estimated the value of the hoard at close to $30. "It was on the ground so I just picked it up," Maddy said of the money. "When we asked her what she was saving the money for," Wendy continued, she told us 'I'm saving for the elderly.'" Questioned further, Maddy explained "so they can buy medicine and stuff."

Somewhat surprised but clearly impressed with Maddy's good intentions, the Kirkers decided to help her fulfill them. "We had to figure out how to do it," Wendy said. Searching the Internet, she found FIGS — "Filling in Gaps" — a non-profit organization in Raleigh, North Carolina that during the past 27 years has provided $1.8-million to assist more than 30,000 patients purchase necessary medications. "They told us that pharmacy gift cards would be the best way to handle it," Wendy said.

Enlisting her fellow pupils at Pleasant Street School and their parents, "Maddy's Meds" has raised more than $1,000 a year for the past three years through bake sales and donations and matching contributions from pharmacies. Bake sales have been held at Pleasant Street School, Laconia Middle School and Laconia High School and this year Maddy and her crew expect to be a staple at Lou Athanas Basketball League games. Wendy noted the contribution of Lisa Bladecki to the success of the program.

Yesterday, Maddy and her classmates in Jamie Spulick's third grade class crowned this year's effort at the Laconia Senior Center, where they were joined by store manager Dan Quinn and pharmacist Wes Crockett of Walgreen's Pharmacy. After the class sang carols to the seniors gathered for lunch, Maddy presented Quinn and Crockett with a check for $650. On behalf of Walgreen's Quinn contributed $400 while Crockett personally donated another $400 to provide $1,450 to be distributed to senior citizens.

"I have learned first hand the great need of our seniors here in the city," said Paul Weston, director of the Senior Center, "and Maddy truly is making a difference, setting a wonderful example for all of us."