When a lack of funding forced the City of Bellflower, Calif., to cancel its 30-year-old tradition of providing Easter egg hunts for the community’s children, Jane Nishimoto saw a chance to step into the breach.
“This was a good opportunity to show … that we care about the kids in our community,” Nishimoto, a member of the Bellflower Brethren Church (Tom Hocking, pastor), told the Long Beach Press-Telegram. She said the church wanted to provide a fun day while giving the Easter message.
Nishimoto started calling other churches. Ultimately, 11 other congregations, three organizations, and more than 200 volunteers joined to sponsor the event, which was held April 11 in Caruthers Park.