Local nonprofits are putting their eggs in one basket in hopes that Tucsonans will rally behind Easter celebrations.
“Easter Blessings is our way to give back to the community because Tucson has been so gracious to us. ... it is really miraculous the way this event comes together. There is a lot of good in the world and lots of good happening at the Gospel Rescue Mission,” said Bruce Beikman, Director of Public Relations for Gospel Rescue Mission.
Gospel Rescue Mission expects to welcome about 2,000 hungry and homeless individuals and families to its “Easter Blessings” Event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 18 at the H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Center of Opportunity, 4550 S. Palo Verde Road.
The free celebration offers more than just a hot meal: Attendees can also receive free clothing, showers, haircuts and other essential services. Attendees can also expect Easter baskets for children and other family-friendly activities.
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“We want people to come in and sit down and enjoy meal a meal together,” said Beikman. “Our parking lot basically turns into a festival with live music, face painting, bounce houses, hair cutting, our clothing trailer, shower stations and everything you can imagine at a festival.”
He emphasized that volunteers are essential to the celebration and encouraged the public to consider assisting at the feel-good event. For more information about volunteering—or to make a monetary donation to support the cause (an anonymous donor will match every gift up to $100,000). Visit http://tucne.ws/1s5s or call 520-740-1501.
In-kind donations are also requested. Most needed are store-bought pies, ground beef, whole hams, butter, cheese, bell peppers, fresh vegetables, cereal and eggs.
The Salvation Army Tucson will also celebrate the season with its annual Community Easter Brunch from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 at the Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave.
“Easter is a really big celebration for The Salvation Army,” said Kelli Beasley, PR & Community Engagement Manager for The Salvation Army Tucson. “When you have families that come in that need a little help and see them together with their kids and they are all sitting down to eat an amazing meal and enjoy fun activities, it is so heartwarming. Just seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids and parents feels so good.”
Beasley said that the free event welcomes not just individuals and families who are hungry and homeless, but also those who might be alone for the holiday. The family-friendly event includes photo opportunities for children with the Easter Bunny—complete with Easter baskets—and fun activities and games.
“It isn’t just for people in need. Seniors come because they have no where else to go or just because they like to come. You don’t have to be unhoused or struggling: This event is for everyone,” she said.
The Salvation Army needs donations of boneless buffet ham, sausage links, fresh fruit, milk, orange juice, apple juice, pastries, pre-made Easter baskets and plastic Easter eggs. Volunteers are also needed: Visit http://tucne.ws/1s5t for more information or to make a donation.
