For years, Jody Cutting has participated in the Discovery Toys Easter Basket Program, which provides Easter baskets to children in need throughout the United States and Canada. This year, the Discovery Toys Play Advisor shifted her focus to her local community. Working with Elizabethtown Area School District social worker Jenn Fields, Cutting collected donations to fill 22 baskets for children and families in the district.

When she contacted Fields, Cutting didn't realize how great a need there is in the local community. "I was so surprised by the number of homeless families in the district," she said. "I had no idea. I had participated in this national effort for years, but this was the first time I'd done this in my own community. I really found great satisfaction in helping the school district that's right down my street."

Cutting asked local businesses and individuals for donations for the baskets, which included Discovery Toys products, Easter candy and a variety of necessities. "I took money that was donated and bought socks, shampoo, body wash, just things that I would think of as being a need versus a want. These are products we take for granted, but for someone who is in a desperate situation, it's a very needed item and not easily accessible," she explained.

She also made sure each basket included a book. "I wanted the children to get a book that they weren't borrowing from the library or school and that they didn't have to return," she stated. "It was theirs to keep." Additionally, baskets included gift cards for local restaurants and a handwritten note letting the recipients know Elizabethtown cares for them.

"When I started asking for donations, the response was overwhelming," Cutting noted. "Within five days, I was able to get everything I needed as far as donations, so I actually contacted Jenn and said, 'Do you have more children for me?' and she did."

Fields delivered the baskets to the families the week before Easter, along with food donations for Easter meals provided by St. Paul's United Methodist Church. "I've never had so many follow-up thank-you calls or texts," Fields said. "Between the food received from St. Paul's and the Easter baskets, it was all very well received. ... I always appreciate community support, so I am thankful Jody contacted us."

Cutting plans to continue the local project annually, and she encourages others to get involved as well. "People want to give. We have a very generous community," she stated. "They just sometimes don't know how to give or what avenue to take to give, so this gives them an easy option." People who are interested in helping Cutting or making donations for future projects may visit her website, http://www.toys2learn.net, or the project's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/EASDEasterBaskets, or email her at jlcutting50@gmail.com.