Ciara O’Connor, Lauren Manning, Brigid Norris, and Mary Loney are raising funds for the Richard family of Dorchester

When four little Squantumites were faced with the news that tragedy had hit near home on Marathon Monday, they packed up the lemonade, cookies, and their fabulous smiles, and headed to the triangle at the corner of East Squantum and Huckins Ave to do what they do best – host a bake sale to help.

This isn’t the first time Mary Loney, Lauren Manning, Brigid Norris and Ciara O’Connor have headed to the triangle when they learned of a family in need. Not long ago they raised funds for neighbor Mike Struzik when they learned that he might need some help battling cancer.

So this week, during school vacation, these girls spent their time raising funds for the family of Martin Richard, our 8-year-old neighbor from Dorchester who lost his life on Monday, and for his mother and sister who are battling injuries sustained during the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Having set a goal of $2000, the girls hope they can help with whatever might be needed by the Richard family, suggesting it might help fund a prosthetic leg, or pay for medicine for Martin’s mother and sister. When we chatted, they had raised $2300, and more cars were stopping by dropping off checks.

If you are on your way by the triangle, keep your eye out for the girls and pick up a delicious Ginger Betty cookie or some lemonade, all served with a great big smile.

Thank you girls!