Worcester Teachers Take 126-Mile Trek To Celebrate Local Moms

WORCESTER, MA — Mother's Day 2020 will no doubt be a little different this year due to coronavirus. But three teachers from a Worcester preschool are not letting the pandemic get in their way of the annual celebration of moms.

Greendale YMCA teachers Laurie Tessier, Maureen Blanchard, and Kathleen Gedraitis on Tuesday traveled 126 miles around Worcester County bringing flowers and balloons to about 45 families. Tuesday also happened to be national Teacher Appreciation Day.

They hit stops in Rutland, Leicester, Clinton, and all over Worcester. You can see a map of their travels here.

In a usual year, the Greendale teachers at the Wee Wuns preschool hold a week of activities for Mother's Day, including a tea party. The teachers have been furloughed, and haven't seen their students since March 13. The Mother's Day trek was a way to stay in touch with students and families during the coronavirus shutdown.

The Greendale YMCA, 75 Shore Drive, is closed, but is still hosting some activities. The center has online fitness classes through Zoom, and is offering daycare services for certain essential workers, including first responders, retail workers, and medical professionals.