from staff
Each year, the Christian Legal Society puts together individual Easter baskets for each of the ill children residing at the Ronald McDonald House over Easter, as well as the children receiving inpatient cancer treatments at a local hospital that are hospitalized on Easter.
The organization is doing the drive again this year and is seeking help from everyone, including the legal community. Jeanne Helton of Smith Hulsey is leading the effort. She said in years past many have heard about the collection drive after-the-fact and she’s looking to get the word out early this year. Easter is April 8 and the CLS is looking for a variety of items to put in the baskets.
“We can use both cash to purchase the items and/or donation of the items themselves,” she said. “We are also a 501(c) organization. We do put candy and snacks in the baskets, but because the children are ill and often bed-bound or chair-bound, what they love more are things that occupy their time.”
Crossword puzzle books, ball and jack games, marbles, coloring books, crayons, match cars, play princess, tiaras and small hand size dinosaurs/super hero figurines are very popular with the kids. “Sadly, we put baskets together for infants (3 months and up), toddlers, preschool age kids, elementary age kids, junior high kids and even a few senior high kids,” said Helton. “We code the baskets by age and sex so the items are appropriate for them.”
If you are interested, the Christian Legal Society is collecting both items for the baskets and cash donations to purchase items for the baskets. They are also looking for volunteers that may want to help stuff the baskets on April 5. Helton is collecting the donated items and can be reached at either [email protected] or 350-7761. The group’s treasurer, Judi Setzer, is collecting cash donations for the Easter project and can be reached at [email protected] or 662-6258. Stuffing and basket delivery day is April 5 from 11 a.m.-1:30 or 2 p.m. Either can answer questions on specific items most needed.