De-Clutter for a Cause: Aidan’s Playground with O, The Oprah Magazine and Peter Walsh

TLC’s Peter Walsh is O, The Oprah Magazine’s resident organizational guru and he will be in Westford, MA at the Abbot School for a yard sale event rebuilding the young children's section of Castle in the Trees Playground in memory of Aidan Mallio.

For a little background, on Father's Day of 2012, Littleton resident, Matt Mallio was diagnosed with leukemia and immediately hospitalized for chemo treatments. Less than 2 weeks after he was diagnosed his 10-month old son, Aidan, died in an accidental drowning in their back yard. His son survived for 2 days before he was taken off life support. Matt had to check himself out of his hospital against doctor's orders so he could be with his son and wife at another hospital. Too weak from chemo treatments, he was forced to return to his hospital knowing he might never see his son again. Aidan died the next day. It has been a traumatic experience for the family. The good news is that Matt’s brother, Andy, was a stem cell match and he has recently passed his 100 day post-transplant. 

To honor the memory of Aidan and to help the family heal, Aidan’s aunt, Kristi Bates, is bringing the community together to rebuild the young children's section of an older, local playground called Castle In The Trees located in Littleton, MA. The group’s goal is to raise $50,000 by August 2013, and have a community build and dedication by late September when Matt should be healthy enough to attend. “We have several fundraisers planned including a gigantic yard sale! “, explains Bates.

This yard sale idea won the O, The Oprah Magazine De-Clutter for a Cause Contest. Along with O Magazine, Peter Walsh, professional organizer from TLC's Clean Sweep, will be hosting the huge yard sale event. De-Clutter for a Cause: Aidan’s Playground with O, The Oprah Magazine and Peter Walsh, the official name of the yard sale, is proving to be a fun-filled event with entertainment, raffles, an auction, food and of course loads of treasures for purchase..

Please see all details below:

De Clutter for a Cause: Aidan’s Playground with O, The Oprah Magazine and Peter Walsh

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Abbot School, 25 Depot St, Westford, MA

7:00 – 8:00 Early Birds for a $20 Donation

8:00 – 2:00 Open with Free Admission

Entertainment and Food (all TBD)

First 200 Buyers will receive a commemorative Event Shopping Bag.

Donation Collections will take place at Littleton Storage Solutions, 509 Great Road, Littleton, MA on:

Saturday, April 27th 9:00 – 2:00

Saturday, May 4th 9:00 – 2:00

Saturday, May 18th 9:00 – 2:00

Items Accepted: Books, DVDs, CDs, Household Items, Kids and Adult Clothes, Linens,Toys, Sporting Goods, Tools, Jewelry and Furniture - all in good, saleable condition

Items Not Accepted: Mattresses, Cribs, Couches, Large Electronics and Car Seats