A 10-year-old girl and her mother are hard at work in Cohoes, labeling themselves as "the quarantine fairy."

What You Need To Know


  • Josie Parker and her mom Erin have delivered about 140 packages

  • All of the gifts are dropped off anonymously

  • Each package includes a unique riddle and treats

"I thought I could give back to the community and the people that need cheering up. I can do that," said Josie Parker, the daughter.

Josie and Erin Parker have dropped off about 140 packages to unsuspecting kids. Each is customized with a riddle and treats. The point is to not get caught delivering the package.

Erin drives to the location, then Josie jumps out of the car, drops off the gift, rings the doorbell, and runs back to the car before they speed off.

"I will make her a scrapbook, and years from now when they're talking, and her kids are asking what happened around this time, she can whip out the scrapbook and go, 'I ding-dong ditched everyone!' But don't ding dong ditch if you don't leave anything," explained Erin.

Erin says it's also given them something to do and look forward to during quarantine. It's also a lesson in giving back.

"It makes me feel good inside, because of everything I'm doing and how happy the kids are going to be," said Josie.

Erin agreed, saying, "Any little thing to bring a smile to someone's face is all that's needed. It doesn't have to cost money. It's just the pure joy of it."