by Noella Noelophile®
(Royalty-free image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay.)
Remember the Easter-morning excitement of finding your basket? Where the “bunny” had hidden it somewhere in the house? And somehow, that clever rabbit knew your favorite kinds of candy, small toys and even art supplies?
Justin Rudd remembers all of the above.
And this Easter, he’d like your assistance in creating that magic.
For their 19th annual “Operation Easter Basket“, Justin and his Long Beach-based “Community Action Team” have the goal of assembling 2,250 Easter baskets for children in need.
Justin Rudd at Operation Easter Basket assembly in 2019.
On Sunday, April 2, they invite volunteers (two-hour shifts) to come down to Bay Shore Church, in Belmont Shore, to help them assemble the Easter baskets for delivery to underprivileged youth, during Easter week. Here’s the link where you can sign up to volunteer.
But before that, they’re going to need supplies.
If you’re not in the area, the best way to help, according to Justin’s webpage, is to donate online. You’ll find a “donate” button right above the volunteer sign-up area.
Another way to support Operation Easter Basket
Completed Easter baskets await pickup by Long Beach nonprofit organizations, Easter week, 2019.
And if you’re local, please consider donating gifts to go in the baskets? These can be dropped off at Bay Shore Church’s youth center (5200 East The Toledo, near Nieto in Long Beach) ahead of time, or brought with you if you’re volunteering.
Justin emails that they especially need:
- Pencils;
- Any non-Caucasian dolls (these, Justin says, are available at Dollar Tree. And no, I am not affiliated with these stores, in any way! );
- Coloring books;
- Jumbo crayons.
A group effort
Even Bay Shore Church’s kitchen filled up with baskets for delivery to local nonprofits during Easter week, 2019.
Now, here’s another way to help.
You can also get together with friends and create five Easter baskets to drop off. On Justin’s page is a “How and What to Pack in the Baskets” directive. Each basket’s value should be between $20 and $25. Bubbles, books, school supplies, art supplies, small toys, and, of course, candy and granola bars, are all items on the “wish list”.
One important note: please, no toy guns–water pistols or otherwise. Completed baskets may be dropped off at the church’s youth center, as well.
Basket recipients, in the past, have included Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach, Miller Children’s Hospital and Operation Jump Start. LBUSD schools are priority recipients for this year’s baskets; schools and nonprofits have put in their requests by emailing Justin in advance.
Happy Spring! Have fun creating the magic.