by Noella Noelophile®
In 2019, “Operation Easter Basket” provided more than 3,000 baskets to underserved youth.
Easter’s happening early this year! Sunday, March 31st, to be exact.
And nonprofit Community Action Team, led by Long Beach “Chief Inspiration Officer” Justin Rudd, would like your help, as they celebrate a landmark anniversary.
2024 marks their 20th annual “Operation Easter Basket”! Their goal: 2,250 baskets for donation to schools and nonprofit organizations.
Justin Rudd at Operation Easter Basket assembly in 2019.
(Past recipients, according to their website, have included Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach, Long Beach Rescue Mission and Washington Middle School. LBUSD schools are given priority, and the organizations request specific numbers of baskets, which are provided at no cost.)
Can you help, this Easter, with a donation, or by creating some Easter baskets and dropping them off for delivery?
In the area of supply donations on their “wish list” , C.A.T. would welcome:
- Bubbles;
- Small, gender-neutral toys (find these at the local dollar store; no guns or other “weapon” toys, please);
- Books for kids;
- School supplies;
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, full-sized body wash and shampoo);
- Essential clothing items;
- And, of course–candy!
They also need cash donations. You can find out more here.
Or, you can create Easter baskets, if you’d like.
C.A.T. would like to know if you can get four friends together, and each put together an Easter basket for a needy child between the ages of 3 and 13. Each basket’s value should be between $20 and $25.
Then, plan on dropping them off at Bay Shore Church, at 5200 E. The Toledo, on Sunday, March 24. Dropoff times are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Justin’s website.
HOWEVER–there’s also another opportunity, happening that day.
Pre-pandemic, this was a favorite Easter tradition for me. I’m really sorry, as we continue to isolate, that I can’t be there in-person.
BUT–perhaps YOU can.
That Sunday, March 24th, “Operation Easter Basket” hosts their one-day volunteer event.
Starting at 11 that morning, till 4 pm, volunteers can come to the church and help assemble about 2,000 baskets, assembly-line style.
This is always a fun and festive event.
Nonprofit representatives show up throughout the day, to pick up the baskets they’ve been promised. Rooms fill up with baskets. Donors drop off their creations.
And in the past, we’ve exceeded the donation number–with the room erupting in applause with the announcement of the final total.
If you have a couple of hours free that Sunday, consider coming to be a part of the celebration. All ages are welcome.
Meanwhile, an early Happy Spring to you and yours!
Nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team hosts their 20th annual “Operation Easter Basket” this spring, with donations of supplies and completed Easter baskets, as well as cash donations, needed. Donations may be dropped off at Bay Shore Church, 5200 E. The Toledo (between Corona and Nieto), on Sunday, March 24, from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. All ages are welcome.