An Aurora grass-roots charity once again is asking for the community’s assistance in playing Easter Bunny.
The non-profit group Just Because . . . Kids Count needs thousands of baskets and other suitable containers as well as Easter grass, new toys, stuffed animals, books, packaged snacks and candy, baby products, cassette tapes and compact discs for teens, and gifts for seniors.
Since 1994, the group has provided Easter baskets for low-income families and individuals in the Aurora area and other communities throughout the Fox Valley. Last year, the volunteer group filled more than 5,400 baskets, which were distributed through churches, the Department of Children and Family Services and west suburban civic and social agencies.
“We hope to do 6,000 baskets this year, but it will depend on what we get,” said Vicki Precht, founder and director of Just Because. “The project is all donation-driven.”
Items may be dropped off from noon to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through March 13 at 5 E. Downer Pl., Suite E, Aurora. Checks or cash are welcome.
The organization also is seeking volunteers to make bows and fill baskets. Assembly will run March 16 through 28 at 1115 Church Rd. in Aurora.
About 500 volunteers helped the Easter project last year, Precht said.
“We had 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds who came with their parents and helped fill baskets,” Precht said. “The teens and youth groups were a big help, too, and a lot of seniors helped make bows.”
For more information or to sign up for basket assembly, call Just Because at 630-892-1234.
