Littleton Moms team with Rosie’s Bakery

 — In the fight against the spread of COVID-19, the efforts of healthcare professionals cannot be — and has not been — understated. But doctors, nurses and other health workers aren’t the only ones on the front lines of the coronavirus battle.

Paramedics, firefighters, police officers, DPW workers and other town and city employees continue to work tirelessly to make sure our lights stay on, our water still flows, our trash gets picked up, and our communities and homes remain safe.

These professionals are also heroes, and one group of Littleton residents wanted to make sure that they got the recognition they deserve in these trying times. Responding to an idea from group member Dorothy Fowle, whose son is an on-call firefighter for the town, they teamed up with area businesses to arrange food donations for the Littleton Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works and Electric Light & Water Departments.

The 1,200-member “Littleton (MASS) Moms United” Facebook group has raised over $1,100 to support these dedicated men and women. The money is being used to deliver “thank you” food packages, meals and treats this week.

“I truly just wanted to recognize our First Responders in our small town,” said Fowle, the organizer of the effort. “They go above and beyond every day for us and now with the COVID-19 pandemic, they are truly the front line heroes.”

As she was planning the effort — which includes participation from the Littleton Sub Shoppe, Il Forno and the Littleton Cafe — she tried a Rosie’s Bakery chocolate chip cookie freshly baked at a local supermarket, and knew she had to “sweeten the deal.” She reached out to Galina Laffer, owner of the Newton-based Rosie’s, who brought in Newton’s Cabot Ice Cream as a partner.

“This whole idea started out with my husband and I wanting to send pizzas to the fire department as a thank you,” she said. “Then I had the pleasure of eating an amazing cookie from Rosie’s Bakery and thought the folks at the station would love these as an extra treat.”

She approached the very active Facebook group with the idea, and the outpouring of support came quickly.

Littleton resident and “mom” Sandy Swartz was one of the many supporters. “Good things happen in Littleton, Mass,” she said. “We’re a proud community that supports its First Responders — ‘our HEROES.'”

Laffer and Littleton resident (and “mom” group member) Deb Austermann delivered cookies from Rosie’s Bakery and Cabot’s Ice Cream to the Fire and Police Departments yesterday. The Littleton Sub Shoppe also delivered pizza, salads and appetizers to the Fire Department on Monday. Littleton Cafe will be providing sandwiches and chips to the DPW and LELWD this week as well, and the Police Department will receive gift cards from Il Forno.

“Rosie’s Bakery is proud to support the men and women who are keeping us safe,” said Laffer. “I want to thank the folks at the Chestnut Hill Star Market for going an extra mile in their bakery execution, and Cabot’s Ice Cream for providing their superior ice cream as a perfect pairing to Rosies freshly baked cookies. This is such a great example of two communities — Newton and Littleton — coming together to support a good cause. I also want to thank the tireless work of Dorothy Fowle, who made all of this possible, and all of her supporters in the group. But, above all, I want to thank the first responders of every community in our Commonwealth for their all-too-often thankless work.”

About Rosie’s Bakery

Since 1974, Rosie’s Bakery has dedicated itself to the integrity and authenticity of its baked goods. Each bite of goodness will bring you back to the wonderful memories of your childhood. With only the finest ingredients in their wonderful treats, simplicity has never felt so indulgent, and great taste has never been so guilt-free. Available fresh baked at Shaw’s, Star Markets, Donelan’s Supermarket and Brothers Marketplace, as well as select retail shops. More information available at www.rosiesbakery.com.