ORANGE — Just before Massachusetts schools were ordered to close to help curb the spread of COVID-19, Ralph C. Mahar Regional School student Justin Holden’s class was assigned to create thank-you messages for someone they felt deserved it.
So, Holden made a drawing for the Orange Fire Department. But something caught his eye: No one else was creating messages to thank first responders.
This inspired Holden to embark on a mission to send thank-you messages to any organization or business that requests one, and he has crafted roughly 140 in the past two months.
“Everybody helps. Everybody helps the community, in some way, shape or form,” Holden said.
The 17-year-old, set to graduate from Mahar next year, said he uses neon markers so the drawings glow in the dark when put under a dark light. He said he has sent drawings to fire and police departments in Orange, Athol, Greenfield, Montague, Williamsburg and South Hadley, as well as to businesses, animal shelters and veterans.
“My goal is not to stop until every emergency responder and business has a drawing from me, saying ‘thank you,’” Holden said. He said it takes anywhere from one or two hours to a full day to complete a drawing.
Athol Fire Chief Joseph Guarnera said a drawing from Holden is hanging on an informational board in a common area at his fire station. He said it serves as “an extra pat on the back,” which he mentioned has meant even more in the past two weeks, when public service agencies have come under increased scrutiny following the May 25 death of George Floyd, the black man killed by a white officer keeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis.
“It’s a great morale booster,” Guarnera said. “We understand it’s our job, but it’s nice to hear you’re appreciated.”
Lt. Mike O’Neill of the South Hadley Fire Department’s second district said Holden’s drawing is one of many the department has received. Like Guarnera, O’Neill said firefighters know what they signed up for, but it is still comforting to see gestures of appreciation, especially during uncertain times.
Holden said he draws his inspiration from different sources, such as country music, which he grew up on and continues to listen to on television and radio, and his love for his father, who died of cancer seven years ago.
“I need to do something to show my dad I love him, because he liked emergency responders,” Holden said.
He created the YouTube channel “Holden Strong Exclusive” to showcase his art and talk about it, and people can request a drawing by writing in the comments section. They can also message Amber Holden on Facebook.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.