Potsdam Boy Brings Easter Cheer to Maplewood

CANTON – Going on a shopping spree would be almost any child’s dream come true. Running up and down the aisles filling their cart with toys and games would make any child laugh and squeal with delight. 

Margaret Chamberlain hugs Ethan Mills after receiving an Easter gift bag.

Ethan Mills, 8, of Potsdam recently went on a shopping spree, but instead of buying things for himself, he was filling his cart with slipper socks, adult coloring books, pudding cups and more for the residents at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center.

All together, Ethan with the help of his mother, Keala Richardson and his grandmother, Tammy-Jo Perrin created 144 gift bags which were distributed at Maplewood Wednesday morning.

Wearing his Sunday best with bunny ears atop his head and sometimes hopping like a rabbit, Ethan went up to each resident and said, “Happy Easter” before handing them a gift bag.

Nearly all of the residents said thank you with a smile on their face. Many of the residents hugged Ethan and a few even planted a kiss on his cheek or hand. It was hard to tell who was more excited by the gesture, the residents or Ethan.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Maplewood Activities Leader Patience Boswell. “Seeing his reaction, as well as the reaction of the residents makes me tear up.”

When asked what prompted the gesture, Ms. Perrin explained, every year since Ms. Richardson was a small girl the family has done a community service project together.

“Kaela grew up going to the Potsdam nursing home, because I was a nurse there,” Ms. Perrin said, adding the tradition actually began one year when her daughter was being particularly “bratty.”

“One Christmas she was being a brat, so we made her pick a charity to give her presents to, all but one,” Ms. Perrin said. “My mother taught me that no matter how much or how little you have, you always give to others.”

Since Ethan began participating in the projects a few years ago, other beneficiaries of his work have included local animal shelters and Renewal House. “Our goal is to be able to help even more people,” Ms. Richardson said. “Maybe next year, we can visit this home and another.” 

Ethan, who is homeschooled, also happens to be Autistic and suffer from cyclic vomiting syndrome.

“A lot of people sorry for him, because he’s sick, but we hate that,” Ms. Perrin said. “We treat him like he’s a regular kid and hope that other people can see him like that too.”

Ethan said his favorite part of the project is meeting other people and seeing the smiles on their faces.

“This is something that helps get him out of the house and interacting with other people,” Ms. Richardson said, noting social interaction is something that many children with Autism have a difficult time with.

In addition to one large scale project each year, Ms. Richardson said Ethan participates in several smaller projects throughout the year. While Ms. Richardson said they would be open to accepting donations, she said they’ve never actually sought them out. “It almost makes it more rewarding when it’s something you do yourself,” she said.

To allow people to follow Ethan and his efforts, as well as receive updates on his every day life, a Facebook page called Ethan and Jayden’s (his favorite teddy bear) Journey has been set up and can be “liked” by visiting www.facebook.com/ethansreality.