Easter Bunnies Give Baskets to Needy Kids

The idea of one Easter bunny was scary enough for the toddler. She didn’t seem ready for two.

But eventually, the 2-year-old took her hands away from her eyes and saw that the white-furred pair scampering into Valley Shelter bore gifts for all the children at the residence for the abused and homeless.

“This is great, but she’s petrified,” her mother said. “Here, Mommy will go with you and shake the bunny’s hand.”

The 6-foot rabbits hopped into town Thursday as part of a program run by AFL-CIO Community Services and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. The groups delivered 2,000 Easter baskets full of candy, toys and toiletries to children in need throughout L.A. County.

Children sat in the bunnies’ laps, posing for pictures and investigating the gift baskets.

The third-year Spring Project “tries to give children a sense of hope,” according to Armando Olivas, director of the AFL-CIO Community Services liaison program at United Way.

“We try to show that between the end of the year and now, we’re thinking of them.”

The baskets were assembled by union members from around L.A., Olivas said.

Meanwhile, Fallbrook Mall hosted a similar program on Friday. The Valley Interfaith Council, Ralphs Grocery, Marie Callender’s restaurants, Target stores and the mall collected food gifts for families.

On Friday, sponsors and families gathered at the West Hills mall for the awarding of the gifts and a visit from the well-traveled Easter bunny.

Sponsors urged anyone interested in donating food or other items year-round to call the Interfaith Council at (818) 718-6460.