'Easter Bunny' arranges special delivery for the troops

Pat Murphy of Niwot Realty didn't get a chance to hand out candy and prizes at Niwot's annual Easter egg hunt this year, but that didn't stop the canceled event's founder from bringing smiles to more than a few faces-at an appropriate social distance, of course. Goodies once destined for the baskets and bellies of Niwot's would-be egg hunters instead went to military personnel overseas and those on the front lines a little closer to home.

"This is more relaxing, but I've got a house full of stuff," Murphy said. "So, I've been the Easter Bunny in a different way."

Murphy donated her unused stash of Easter loot to a few local organizations and first responders, including the Mountain View Fire Station. She also gave to a few families "who can't get out and buy their Easter presents."

However, the biggest share went to the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms, a group Murphy founded more than a decade ago to send care packages to troops stationed away from their families during holidays. The "Cookie Momsters" were in the midst of preparing their annual Easter shipment, which ballooned to a record 35 boxes thanks to Murphy's donation. Other items included letters from 4th graders at Niwot Elementary, cookies, a copy of the Left Hand Valley Courier, and an explanation letter from the group.

"Due to the virus, we had on masks, gloves, and lined up boxes in Pat's driveway, outdoors," member Karen Copperberg explained of the strict hygiene and distancing protocols they used. "Just three of us, staying far apart, received already packaged goods from about 20 other cookie moms, who just drove by and dropped off their contributions."

The boxes shipped from Niwot on March 31. The NCM received their first thank you from a recipient just six days later, another record for the group:

"I wanted to pass a very heartfelt thanks to you and the rest of the Patriotic Niwot Cookie Moms. I received three boxes today and your treats lifted everybody's spirits. Many people have been extended by one to two months as we wait for the COVID problems to slow down. Needless to say, people's spirits have been a little low lately. That changed today when everybody had a blast going through the cookies and candy."

The NPCM's next shipment is due to go out around Memorial Day in May. Delivery costs can run up to $500, and the group depends on support from the community to keep the care packages moving. For more information about the group or to make a contribution, contact Karen Copperberg at [email protected].