Donation Questions
Q: Do you accept used donations?
A: Unfortunately, no. Stuffed animals and the like are unable to be properly cleaned and may contain
allergens.
Many of the children who receive these baskets have only had 'hand-me-down' or second hand
items. The items provided in the Baskets of Joy Project baskets are new.
We will accept large, colorful, like-new Easter baskets that were properly stored.
Q: What kind of candy do you accept?
A: Baskets of Joy only uses candy that is individually wrapped, in its original outer packaging, and that
is peanut-free.
If we receive bulk items (like a large bag of Jelly Beans) or peanut containing candy, those items are
delivered directly to the shelters to distribute to children that are confirmed not to have peanut
allergies
Q: What do you do if you have left over donations?
A: Any donations received in excess are either stored for next year or distributed to area children in
need. For example, in 2019 there were approximately 50 containers of bubbles left over. A local
hospital's pediatric unit received those bubbles to use by children with respiratory disorders to help
strengthen their lungs. No donation is wasted.
Financial donations in excess of what is immediately needed to make the project a reality are saved
for next year.
Q: Where do the donations come from?
A: Baskets of Joy is a project for the community by the community! The majority of our donations are
made by members of the public who purchase items and deposit them at our donation drop-off
locations.
Local businesses, schools, and churches also collect items for our project and donate funds to allow
Baskets of Joy to provide Easter baskets to as many children as possible.
Q: Who can receive a basket?
A: Baskets are delivered directly to recipient organizations. Baskets of Joy covers all shelters in
Kenosha and Racine county and numerous outreach organizations. See our 'About Us' page for an
up to date listing. We do not provide Easter baskets directly to individuals.
Our baskets go to children ages 3-11 that are currently living in shelter or involved in our
community's outreach organizations.
Volunteer Questions
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: We welcome volunteers of any age! Children are welcome to participate as volunteers as long as
they have an adult with them to help.
We particularly welcome teens who must fulfill volunteer hours for their school. One of the goals of
our project is to actively engage our community in volunteer service. Our events are fun!
Besides helping directly with the event, we also look for volunteers to take professional quality
pictures and video of the events.
Q: Can my school/work/organization get involved?
A: Absolutely! The more the merrier! Organizations are an asset to Baskets of Joy- having a member
based initiative to collect donations is not only beneficial to Baskets of Joy, it can be a great team
building experience!
Many groups collect all types of donations for the project; others run events like a 'crayon drive' to
collect enough boxes of crayons for the project.
We also look to groups to help fill our plastic eggs used for the baskets and Easter egg hunt. All of
the supplies can be provided, but it takes a lot of volunteers to fill those eggs!
Please contact us with any questions!
Work groups also come together to volunteer their time at our events. We welcome groups to wear
company colors/shirts while volunteering their time.
Egg Hunt Questions
Q: Who can attend the Easter egg hunt?
A: Our Easter egg hunt is open to everyone. Our hunt is for children of all ages and all abilities. It is
physical need and Autism/sensory friendly.
If your child has a need that makes it difficult for them to participate in other events, please
reach out so we can find a way to make this event fun for everyone!
Q: Where do I sign up?
A: There is no sign-up for this Easter egg hunt. All children can participate. This is a large event and it
starts promptly (see our 'Get Involved' page for details). Each event uses over 12,000 eggs and is
growing every year. Please contact us if you have a large group (like a class) who will be
participating!