On December 18, Ridgefield will come together in the spirit of giving and compassion for Hailey’s Day of Kindness, a heartfelt initiative honoring the memory of Hailey Merolle. The event holds a special connection to Ridgefield through Kathy Graham, whose daughter Beth was college roommates and close friends with Hailey’s mother, Jill Merolle at Marist College. Kathy, who formed a bond with Jill through their daughters' friendship, felt deeply compelled to support Jill and her husband, Ryan, after the tragic loss of their daughter. Established in 2020 by Hailey’s parents, this year Hailey’s Day of Kindness commemorates what would have been Hailey’s 5th birthday and raises awareness about perinatal loss. This meaningful effort not only spreads hope and joy during the holiday season but also supports families and children in need, including those affected by premature birth.
With humble beginnings, Graham, a longtime Fairfield County Bank employee, began Hailey’s Day of Kindness here in Ridgefield in 2020 within the walls of the bank. Employees donated items for Birthright of Greater Danbury. “Employees donated items and it was overwhelming. We got diapers, clothing, and baby bottles. In addition, the bank donated $500 towards car seats, and we gave them to Birthright which helps financially struggling pregnant women.”
Now, Graham is leading the charge to expand Hailey’s Day of Kindness making it a town-wide movement and inviting the community to get involved. She is partnering with local nonprofits and First Selectman Rudy Marconi, who wholeheartedly supports the cause. After receiving an endorsement from Compassionate Ridgefield, Graham is rallying the town to participate in acts of kindness and share their efforts using the hashtag #HaileysDayofKindnessRidgefieldCT.
“It’s about taking one day during the busy holidays to pause and do something for someone else,” Kathy explains. “Some of these are planned activities by local organizations, but all community members are encouraged to do something kind for someone else. Whether it’s wrapping gifts for a neighbor, donating clothes to the Ridgefield Thrift Shop, or dropping off cookies at the firehouse or police station, every small gesture matters.”
Graham hopes to see at least 100 posts displaying acts of kindness flooding social media using the hashtag #HaileysDayofKindnessRidgefieldCT on December 18. “I want people to showcase Ridgefield’s compassionate spirit,” she says. To encourage participation, a banner will hang outside Town Hall starting December 9, reminding residents of this special day. There will also be a banner outside of Fairfield County Bank at 150 Danbury Road.
Local organizations* have already pledged their involvement. For example, the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield club members will be making holiday themed cards to distribute to local seniors. Community members can also support nonprofits through simple actions on December 18 like purchasing tickets for upcoming events, such as the Rotary Club’s Taste of Ridgefield which takes place on February 2, 2025.
Graham’s inspiration for the initiative comes from a deeply personal place. “Hailey’s mother, Jill, was my daughter’s college roommate at Marist”. Kathy recalls the tragedy that struck the Merolle family when Hailey was stillborn at full term. “It was heartbreaking,” she shares. “But I’ve always been impressed by people who take their grief and turn it into something positive. Jillian and Ryan’s strength inspired me to help in any way I could.”
Looking ahead, Kathy hopes Hailey’s Day of Kindness will become an annual tradition in Ridgefield, with the potential to expand to other towns. “Movements like this can grow far beyond their starting point,” she notes. “What began as a small effort at Fairfield County Bank has already sparked interest throughout the community. Who knows what the future holds?”
- Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield will be making holiday cards for seniors.
- Jesse Lee Church will fill shoe boxes with small items for children and seniors and distribute them on December 18.
- Fairfield County Bank is collecting baby items for Birthright of Greater Danbury.
- SOAR Together will deliver flowers to anyone alone during the holidays.
- Lion’s Heart (class of 2028) will be decorating bags for Meals on Wheels.
- NCL Nutmeg will be making bookmarks with positive messages and bringing to Founders Hall on December 18
- The Lions Club will clean the historic plaques in town.
And… more participants:
- Ridgefield Father’s Club
- Compassionate Ridgefield
- Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy
- Connor Sheehan Fund
- The Iris Fund
- Rotary Club of Ridgefield
- Born to Thrive
Nonprofit events Ridgefielders can support to honor Hailey’s Day of Kindness:
The Connor Sheehan Fund - buy tickets to their hockey fundraiser- Sacred Heart vs Cornell
The Iris Fund---any donations made to this nonprofit will be used for their Valentines Day project where they will distribute flowers to our area hospitals to the mothers in the antepartum ward through the NICU.
Rotary Club of Ridgefield---buy tickets to the Taste of Ridgefield—funds raised will be donated as grants to nonprofits in our area.
Born to Thrive—donations will go to the NICU at Danbury Hospital—this is a nonprofit started by Kayla Scatterday, a senior at Ridgefield High School.