As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them. 

Anyone who has cared for small children knows how fast they can be. Athol couple Megan and Derek Quaid experienced this firsthand in 2020 when they welcomed twins. 

As the twins, now 4 years old, became mobile, stay-at-home mom Megan Quaid found it increasingly difficult to keep up with them both when she was alone. This was especially true for her son, Daxton, who has autism and a penchant for bolting away from his parents whenever he gets outside. 

“We like to call him a runner,” Megan Quaid said. “I could never bring my children outside by myself. Not only did I have two, but one was developmentally different and would not stay close.” 

The Quaids worried about how to keep Daxton contained and safe outside their Athol home. At first, they devised a barrier made from the orange netting used at construction sites, but that didn’t stop Daxton for long. Next, they planned to try a chicken wire fence, buying material one piece at a time, as their finances allowed. 

In the meantime, the kids had to stay indoors. 

“Children are made to explore and play, but they were looking out from a window,” Megan Quaid said. “I felt like a jailor.” 

Through community donations, Press Christmas for All paid for the materials to build a 4-foot chain-link fence to surround the family’s yard and keep the children secure. The Quaids provided the labor. 

“We had a huge group of volunteers with the church come out and put it together,” Megan Quaid said. 

Now the twins can play outside whenever they like — and their mom doesn’t have to worry about anybody running off. The safer outdoor environment has made a big difference for the kids, especially Daxton. 

“He learned his boundaries and stayed within them,” she said. “(The twins) can get dirty like kids are supposed to, dig holes, play in the sandbox. It opened up a whole new world to them. I feel like they’re on a whole different developmental level.” 

Quaid said she’s grateful for the community’s generous support, which made it all possible. 



“It really, truly was a life changer for the kids and also for me,” she said. “What Christmas for All did for us is a blessing all around. I can’t thank you enough.”