Tons of of households gathered in East Garfield Park on Saturday afternoon to hunt for 50,000 candy-filled eggs forward of Easter Sunday.
Cornelius Parks, lead pastor at Harvest Worship Middle Ministries, has helped arrange the annual egg hunt that’s now in its twelfth 12 months. It’s the occasion’s third 12 months in Altgeld Park as a result of the church primarily serves the East Garfield Park group, however Parks stated he’s hoping to maneuver it once more subsequent 12 months to serve extra elements of the world.
Initially, the occasion began out small, however now boasts 50,000 eggs — 20,000 greater than the White Home egg roll, although the egg hunt within the Washington makes use of actual eggs.
“We began off with a few hundred, and all through the years it obtained as much as the hundreds,” Parks informed the Solar-Instances. “We realized because it attracts plenty of consideration, we didn’t have sufficient, and we don’t prefer to scale down.”
About 200 to 300 households joined within the egg hunt Saturday.
Parks stated the occasion was harm by latest financial turmoil, which pressured many sponsors from previous years to drop out. That’s along with hovering costs for meals and sweet, together with eggs, which sees elevated demand main as much as the Easter vacation. U.S. egg costs elevated once more final month to succeed in a brand new record-high of $6.23 per dozen.
“This 12 months was powerful as a result of some donors uncommitted,” Parks stated. And “the financial system is hard this 12 months, the worth of eggs and the worth of sweet. The value of all the pieces has gone up from earlier years, so once you’re attempting to do as a lot outreach as we’re, it’s a must to be sure to know easy methods to funds every occasion.”
The ministry does seven main occasions like this a 12 months, together with a Love Day celebration in February for Valentine’s Day, but in addition has a number of barbecues all through the summer time.
The occasions all serve to offer households a secure place to get pleasure from themselves, however particularly youngsters. Parks stated giving youngsters an area to have enjoyable is essential, and that’s been neglected when speaking about retaining youngsters secure and different public security options.
“One of the crucial neglected elements of our group is the youngsters, so we hope these initiatives may also help maintain them off the streets,” Parks stated. “The town wants therapeutic. … Now we have to get out of the 4 partitions and make a distinction on the planet.”
Claudia Lopez, of west suburban Bellwood, introduced her 7-year-old and 5-year-old to the occasion and appreciated the secure house for her younger youngsters.
“Having the ability to take my youngsters out to a spot the place it’s gonna be totally different sort of races, various kinds of folks … it’s a great feeling. I really feel good that they’re capable of have and do issues exterior.”
Contributing: Pat Nabong, AP
