Cocoa stand benefits Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Hudson boys’ great-grandfather

HUDSON – Brandon and Tyler Blanchette will open their fourth annual “Big Papa’s Hot Cocoa Stand” on Sunday, Feb. 12, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association. The first year, Brandon, now 14, and Tyler, 9, raised $500. The second and third years each brought $1,500 from the cocoa stand alone in sales and donations, with a donation match offered by the Dell Co. The Alzheimer’s Association has received just under $7,000 as a result, said their mother, Melissa Blanchette. The boys will run the cocoa stand from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in front of their home at 62 Ferry St. “Brandon came up with the idea four years ago while we were driving one day,” Melissa Blanchette said. “He said, ‘Mom, I want to have a hot cocoa stand.’ “At first, thinking he was just wanting to earn a little extra cash, I said, ‘Brandon, I would rather not.’ Then he said, ‘No, mom, I want to have a hot cocoa stand and donate all the money to the Alzheimer’s Association.’” The request hit home for Blanchette because her grandfather, the boys’ great-grandfather (aka “Big Papa”), Donald Hindle Sr., of Westerly, R.I., has Alzheimer’s disease.