Pictures by Mark Brennan/Siuslaw News

Interact plans pandemic-proof Easter Basket Giveaway

April 7, 2021 — The Rotary Club of Florence’s Interact Club at Siuslaw High School devised a way to bring Easter baskets to children, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, 12 high school students, led by Interact Club President Brea Blankenship and Community Service Chair Cate Waggoner, worked with employees at Oregon Pacific Bank to stuff 300 bags with over 3,000 Easter eggs with candy and prizes.

The students invited the Easter Bunny to join them at Siuslaw Middle School on Saturday morning to hand out Easter Egg Baskets. The Easter Bunny greeted children as they arrived. Approximately 80 local children drove through with their parents to receive the eggs.

In addition, nine children received golden eggs with golden tickets.  They were able to take their tickets to Siuslaw Outreach Services to redeem for prizes like bicycles, basketball hoops, a mini drone, a tabletop foosball game, stuffed animals, a kite, magic set and more. 

Interact students distributed the remaining eggs to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Lane County, Siuslaw Outreach Services, Florence Food Share and Oregon Pacific Bank.