Marlborough woman brings spirit of Christmas to life
By Ken Powers Community Reporter

Sherry Bouffard and Dan Burnell show off Burnell's new Jeep.

Marlborough - The spirit of Christmas has taken many forms over the years but possibly never so clearly as illustrated by Sherry Bouff ard this past holiday season.

"Everyone loves getting gifts on Christmas, but the true meaning of the season is in the reward of giving," Sherry said. "There is no better time than Christmas to remind people about the gift of helping others."

Sherry, who operates Precision Auto Body with her husband, Charlie Bouffard, had that sentiment first and foremost on her mind during the holiday season when she purchased a Jeep Cherokee for longtime family friend Dan Burnell.

"Dan's a part of the family," Sherry said. "He lives down the street from us and visits a lot because he's friendly with our kids, Erin [24], Alyssa [21] and Dennis [17]. When we're getting stuff for the kids, whether it's back-toschool clothes or something for their room, we pick one up for Dan.

"Earlier this year, in the fall, Dan lost his mom, Lisa," she said. "He's handled it well, but I knew the holidays were going to be tough for him so I thought this was a way that we as a family could help take some of the sting out of it."

The special spirit of giving was reaffirmed to Sherry when she went around to several local businesses, told them what she was doing and why, and asked for help accessorizing the Jeep.

"Everyone was unbelievably great," Sherry said. "Most of the businesses helped us free of charge, and the ones that did charge us, gave us what we needed at cost."

Area merchants who helped out were Sean Meisenheimer of All Weather Auto Inc. of Southborough; Kevin and Gary Kraft of Kraft Tire and Auto Center in Marlborough; Rick Pare and Derek Sousa of Mega-Watt Car Stereo and Security in Marlborough; the entire crew at the Marlborough CarQuest Auto Parts; and Precision Auto Body's Scott Esposito and Dennis Bouff ard.

Sherry left the Jeep in front of Burnell's house late Christmas Eve with a big red bow on it.

"My father woke me up and told me there's something outside and he thinks it's for me," Burnell said. "When

looked out the window I couldn't believe it. I ran out in just my boxers to look at it. I thought I was having a dream. I kept trying to wake myself up."

Sherry said she knew the precise moment the 17-yearold Burnell received his gift.

"I received a text that was completely garbled," she said. "I figured it was a combination of his being so excited that his mind was racing so much that he couldn't type in the letters properly, and that he was freezing because he was outside in just his boxers."

Burnell didn't even bother getting dressed before driving his new Jeep.

"I got in it right then and pulled it into the driveway," Burnell said.

He visited the Bouff ards later in the day to thank them for the gift.

"The look on his face was thanks enough," Sherry said. "I don't know if I've ever seen him smile so wide or for so long."

Sherry's act of kindness and generosity toward Burnell reflects a similar act of kindness she received from a friend many years ago.

"A woman from Concord, Donna Poole, helped me with my first car," Sherry said. "She was just a family friend, but she was always there for me when I needed it most. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to truly pay it forward by helping Dan out."