Easter is a time for reflection, a time to contemplate the life of Jesus and His message of caring for those less fortunate. Each year, volunteers from the Society of St Vincent de Paul attempt to fulfill their mission of charity during the Lenten season through the Easter Bonnets and Baskets program.

One Easter, agrandmother was invited to participate in the program with her five grandchildren. She provided her parish St Vincent de Paul conference with their ages and sizes, and a volunteer assisted her in selecting clothing for her grandchildren. While the children dyed Easter eggs and had their faces painted by volunteers, the grandmother was able to select the only new outfits the children would receive for the year. After the clothing was selected, the children were able to model their new outfits. The young girls were particularly proud and thrilled with their new Easter dresses, complete with matching bonnets!

Easter Bonnets and Baskets is one of the annual programs organized by the Society for the benefit of families in financial need in each St. Vincent de Paul parish community. For many of the children that participate, this will be the only new clothing they receive for the year. Since its inception, the Bonnets and Baskets program has provided hundreds of families with new and gently used clothing during the Easter season. Local dentists have donated toothbrushes and other personal hygiene items. Catholic schools and teen groups have assisted with gathering items for baskets, as well as new clothing for the families. In past years, elementary school classes have made their own baskets and cards for the children who partici-pate in the program.

Each of the 26 St. Vincent de Paul parish conferences in the diocese invites families to participate in the program. Participating families are given new Easter outfits for each child; two new outfits suitable for Easter are provided. The children also receive an Easter basket filled with candy, toys, and of course toothbrushes! This is just one example of the special projects conducted by St. Vincent de Paul volunteers to assist the needy in Santa Clara County.

If you would like to assist us in the Bonnets and Baskets program or any of the other programs we have throughout the year, please contact Mindy at 408-993-9901. This is an excellent volunteer activity for school children, scouts, or other groups that would like to donate their time to a program that directly as-sists those in need in their immediately communities.