By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – During the month of May, the Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY) Mental Health Task Force and the Marshfield and Columbus Leadership Alliance (MCLA) will promote positive mental health and education and kindness through two activities.

The groups will be flocking – placing 50 plus signs in one location – “Mental Health Matters” yard signs. The flock of signs will make a week long appearance at four locations around the city during the month.

In a take from the day when people would leave a paper basket or cone containing spring flowers on each other’s doorsteps anonymously, the MACY Mental Health Task  Force and MCLA, along with the Marshfield Community Foundation and Marshfield Parks & Recreation Department, will distribute about 200 “May Baskets” randomly and anonymously throughout the area.

“The flocking is primarily about awareness and stigma reduction related to mental health,” a MACY release stated. “The May Baskets are a way to not only provide information on mental health, but also a way to reduce stigma by acknowledging the struggles many are having and to spread kindness and support to others, while asking recipients to continue to spread kindness, positivity, and hope.”

How to make your own May Baskets

Cut a piece of paper from corner to corner to make two triangles. Roll the triangles into the shape of a cone and secure with tape or staples. Staple a strip of paper or ribbon to the top to make a handle. Fill the cone with flowers, candy, stickers, a small notepad, seed packages, and other small gifts. Insert a note and hang it on the door of someone’s home.