Newfield group’s effort to sweeten Easter

In the spirit of Easter, a local Facebook group dedicated to aiding families in need is once again orchestrating its annual Easter Basket Program. Serving the Newfield community and its neighbors, the initiative is entering its sixth year, with the objective of brightening the holiday for children aged one to 15.

The group, known as Free Items for Families in Need, has seen remarkable growth since its creation. Its membership now exceeds 9,000. It was born out of personal necessity when Shelley Frost-Giannino, the founder, faced an unexpected shift in family plans seven years ago. What began as a search for baby items for her newborn grandchild evolved into a widespread community support network. Individuals in the group freely exchange items, ensuring that those in hardship can access essentials without cost.

The Easter Basket Program is an annual initiative that gathers various items to create festive baskets. Interested individuals are encouraged to register their need for these baskets, allowing the program to match donations with recipients. 

According to Frost-Giannino,  there is a significant gap in community support programs, particularly those addressing Easter festivities. She initiated the Easter Basket Program as a response to the scarcity of resources available for families in need during the holiday season. 

Recognizing the pressing needs of many community members who struggle with basic necessities, such as food, the program was established to offer relief and bring joy to those facing hardship. 

“We’d rather have them save their money for food and not candy to go into an Easter basket,” Frost-Giannino said.

Last year, the Easter Basket Program encountered no challenges in securing donations, which included an abundance of baskets, artificial grass and plastic eggs. Clearance sales enabled Frost-Giannino to stockpile these items for the current year, leaving only candy on the wishlist. However, this year’s donations have dwindled, stirring concerns about meeting the program’s goals.

“Right now, I have stopped it at 50 because I’m afraid we won’t get any more candy donations. Then, it is coming out of my pocket,” Frost-Giannino said. “I would like to get enough candy so that I can reopen it and take 50 more kids.”

In years past, the program’s reach was considerable, with 250 baskets distributed in a single season, transforming the organizer’s home into an Easter basket warehouse. Each basket is a labor of love, assembled by hand by Frost-Giannino, brimming with sweets, toys and crafts — all destined for eager young recipients.

“My living room, my dining room, my laundry room was filled,” Frost-Giannino said. “There were Easter baskets everywhere.”

Coordination efforts for distribution are as local as they are collaborative, with various moderators across regions ensuring that the baskets reach families. Those in Newfield will find their seasonal joys facilitated by Frost-Giannino. 

According to Frost-Giannino, recipients do not necessarily have to collect their baskets directly. Friends, family or acquaintances can retrieve them on behalf of others, provided they specify for whom and how many they are collecting.

With Easter approaching, the first 50 baskets are guaranteed distribution, a commitment made firm regardless of further contributions. Yet, the group is looking for candy donations to extend this gesture to more children. Supporters can contribute via Venmo or CashApp, or by contacting moderators for physical drop-offs.

The distribution of the baskets will occur in the week leading up to Easter, which falls on March 31, within a designated time frame. However, due to the current shortfall, delivery services have been suspended to curtail expenses, with the possibility that candy may need to be purchased outright.

Frost-Giannino remains reachable for donations through direct messaging on Facebook or within the Free Items for Families in Need group. Donations are welcome and appreciated until the week before Easter, ensuring that the baskets reach as many children as possible.

In brief:

Planning board to meet

The Newfield Planning Board will meet at Newfield Town Hall on March 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting agenda can be found on the Town of Newfield website. Attendance is welcome and encouraged.

Lego Night at NPL

Newfield Public Library hosts a Lego Night on the first Thursday of every month. The event will take place on March 7 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Board of Education meeting

The Board of Education meeting will take place on March 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Weaver Conference Room.

Capital Project vote

The Capital Project vote will be held in the Elementary School lower gym March 12 from noon to 9 p.m. Details of the Capital Project can be found on the Newfield Central School District website.

Finance Committee meeting

The Newfield Central School District Finance Committee will meet March 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the District Office conference room.