“Baskets of Hope,” the Lake Area Easter Basket Project (LAEBP), is gearing up for its 2024 initiative to deliver Easter baskets to local youth in the foster care system and financially disadvantaged children.
Since its 2020 inception, LAEBP has been primarily funded through individual donations and contributions from church and school groups.
Over the years, the project has successfully distributed more than 1,600 baskets across 12 Middle Georgia counties, making a positive impact on the lives of countless children.
“We believe in the spirit of giving, and our mission is to bring joy to those who may find themselves in challenging circumstances,” LEABP founder and 2024 logistics coordinator Jayden Daniel said.
This year, the goal is to continue serving children facing uncertainty and adversity in Putnam, Greene, Baldwin, Morgan, Jasper, Jones, Newton, Rockdale, Hancock, Oconee, Monroe, and Washington counties. All communities are invited and encouraged to consider filling and donating a basket to ensure vulnerable children in the region can take part in the joy of Easter.
To facilitate contributions, the project provides suggestions for basket fillers based on age groups, with ideas ranging from Easter candy and toys for younger kids to books, earbuds, and lip balm for older kids. Themed baskets such as Baking, Fishing, Spa, Art, and Sports have also been donated in the past.
Basket filler ideas for younger kids include Easter candy, dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, toy cars, sports balls, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and sticker books, among others; or for older kids and young teens, Easter candy, Rubik’s cube, playing cards, journals, writing utensils, ball caps, earbuds, bath bombs, personal grooming items (shampoo, soaps, toothbrush, etc.), water bottle, wallet, etc.
Those unable to shop but wanting to support the project may consider donating gift cards to Dollar Tree or Hobby Lobby to help purchase much-needed supplies such as ribbons, bags, and goodies to complete the baskets.
The deadline for basket drop-offs is Friday, March 1, with local drop-off locations at 1 Accord Technologies in the Lake Oconee Area, Putnam DFCS in Eatonton, Greene DFCS in Greensboro, Morgan DFCS in Madison, and Baldwin DFCS in Milledgeville.