Through autumn leaves and winter snow, customers who purchased rakes, shovels, and other necessities of New England living from Rocky’s Ace Hardware brightened the lives of ailing children last year.
The family-owned business donated more than $38,654 to Boston Children’s Hospital as part of its semi-annual “Round Up for Kids’’ campaign, the Springfield-based business said in a statement. The fund-raiser, which ran in the spring and again in November and December, allowed shoppers to round their purchases to the next dollar, with proceeds benefiting children’s hospitals.
The campaign raised $91,687 across 50 Rocky’s locations in nine states. Funds from each participating store were directed to the nearest Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
“We’re proud to be able to support such an important cause year after year,’’ Rocco Falcone, the president of Rocky’s Ace Hardware, said in the statement. “Children’s Miracle Network is transforming children’s health and giving hope to families facing unthinkable challenges.’’
Childrens Miracle Network Hospital’s has raised more than $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals since 1983, according to the organization’s website. Rocky’s stores that contributed to Boston Children’s Hospital include 18 in Massachusetts and three stores in New Hampshire.
“It’s humbling to see how generous our customers are,’’ said Falcone, who noted that the donations will help fund critical treatments and innovative research. “We hope it also gives patients and families the assurance that their community cares.’’
Lila Hempel-Edgers can be reached at lila.hempeledgers@globe.com.
