Over the past three years, Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has delivered hundreds of Easter baskets and bags to various organizations participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
CACFP is a federally funded food program administered by the PA Department of Education, where licensed childcare centers, shelters, and afterschool programs provide meals to children, with assistance from sponsors like NDS or other partners.
The gifts are hand-assembled and donated by Molly Thomas, who spends much of the year prepping, gathering supplies, fundraising, and assembling the baskets and bags.
This year, NDS helped Thomas distribute 342 Easter baskets and bags, including eight large family baskets.
“The joy that Molly creates through her incredibly beautiful Easter baskets and bags is difficult to measure. This year-long project stems from her desire to share Easter with children who might not receive such a gift,” said David Stier, Assistant Director of Community Relations for NDS. “Even adults’ eyes light up when these unique baskets are delivered, chocked full of Easter goodies, books, and stuffed animals.”
While Thomas does much of the work herself, she does have a supportive group of individuals who point her to good Easter “finds” and who donate toward the cause. Thomas began the service project because she saw an opportunity to provide fun Easter items to those who would not otherwise be able to receive them.
“She was conscious of people not being able to experience this joy in life,” noted Stier.
Lizanne Hagedorn, Executive Director of NDS, added, “Molly has a huge, kind heart, giving so generously of her time and resources throughout the year so children can receive Easter baskets and bags that would delight the child in all of us.”
This Easter season, the baskets and bags went to ACTS Transitional Services (a shelter for those experiencing homeless) and to childcare centers in Philadelphia. Some will also go to the Northeast Refugee Center in Philadelphia when the Eastern Churches celebrate Easter in early May.
The Delaware County Family Service Center, a ministry of Catholic Social Services, was one of the recipients of the Easter basket initiative. Camille Crane, Administrator at the center, expressed her thanks to Thomas and NDS after the delivery.
She said that the Easter bags, “bring joy to children whose families live in deep poverty. Their families benefit from our Parenting and Prenatal Program through educational sessions that culminate in breakfast, snacks, and shopping in our free baby boutique.”
The yearly initiative has continued to have a positive impact on not only the children who receive the baskets, but on NDS staff themselves.
“It is a treat for NDS staff to be able to deliver Molly’s baskets to children who can really benefit from them,” said Stier.
