SALISBURY — Our Neighbors’ Table is reaching out to community members to help make Easter a little sweeter for children.
Recently, the food assistance organization that provides aid to numerous area communities began its chocolate bunny drive with the aim of collecting 1,000 chocolate bunnies ahead of the holiday.
The bunnies will be part of a special Easter bag distributed by the organization to its guests with children.
So far, the organization has collected about 100 3-ounce bunnies and is looking for more to include in the bags, which will be filled with sweets and snacks.
Amber Pittenger Tillson, associate director of the food program, said small gestures like receiving a chocolate bunny for the holiday make all the difference.
“We like to celebrate the popular holidays here at the market with a special little treat for our guests. Because, usually it’s those extra things that folks don’t end up spending money on when things are tight. Especially with things getting tighter these days,” she said.
Pittenger Tillson said ONT guests have been thankful to receive the bunnies and special Easter bags in the past.
“They’re just so grateful for these extra little things that we do for them. It might not be mission centric for us to do this, but it’s those extra things that I think make them feel special and seen,” she said.
While the bags will be passed out to families with children, Pittenger Tillson said they could also be distributed to extended families.
“If there’s grandparents that want to take a bag or two for their grandkids, or take a bag for each of their grandkids, we honor that as well,” she said.
The bags themselves have a special touch as well, with ONT enlisting the help of students at Amesbury’s Jordan M. Shay Elementary School to hand decorate each one.
“We’re grateful how much the schools are willing to get kids involved in what we do,” ONT Communication Director Will Courtney said.
Similarly, Pittenger Tillson said ONT is thankful for the giving nature of residents from area communities.
“We’re always grateful for how the community shows up for us during these special asks. I think we’re just so lucky to have the support of the community,” she said.
Those interested in donating bunnies to the drive should do so by March 20, and bring the donations to either ONT’s Amesbury or Salisbury location during their regular business hours.
Anyone unable to stop by during regular business hours or those who want to coordinate a large scale collection can contact the ONT office at 978-388-1907 or email office@ourneighborstable.org.