WS Chronicle

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY 

THE CHRONICLE

For the past seven years, the staff at the Carl H. Russell Sr. Community Center has been providing the neighborhood kids with an Easter candy hunt.  On Thursday, April 13 the community center held the 2017 Easter candy hunt where over 100 kids came out to partake in the festivities.

The candy hunt was for all children ages pre-K through 12 years.  Along with providing candy the staff also gave away larger gifts to the children such as Bluetooth speakers, head phones and stuffed animals.

Carl Russell Director Ben Piggott says he enjoys seeing the young children enjoy themselves with candy and prizes.

“This day is for all kids ages four to 12,” Piggott said.  “We are just teaching the kids how to give because you have to start off teaching this at a young age.  Someone gave to us when we were younger now we are just showing the kids that they have to be responsible for the younger generation that comes after them.”

The kids were separated into three groups in order to make sure everyone was able to get a fair amount of candy.  Once every child had their fill it was time to give away the donated prizes that were hidden inside of special plastic eggs scattered throughout.

All of the children seemed to enjoy themselves from the youngest to the oldest.  Hoops4L.Y.F.E. Director, Brittany Ward, brought her kids from her foundation over to participate in the event while at the community center for her spring break camp.

“This event is great because they get to see positive images in their community by taking part in the Easter candy hunt,” Ward said.  “It was no violence, it was peaceful and they were able to walk away with some toys so today was great for them.  It makes me feel good for the kids to have a smile on their faces. For the kids to be able to engage in community events is always a positive thing.”

Piggott said he especially thankful to the Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department, Carl H Russell Sittercise groups, D.V.N.A, Jean Allen, Mrs. Vikki and her family, Kings & Queens bridge class, Carver Senior Citizen Club, Sethos Temple #170 and the Daniels family, who all donated money, candy and/or prizes.

Piggott says he would love to see the Easter candy hunt continue to grow and have the chance to give away bigger and better prizes.  He says, “It’s not about the candy, it’s about teaching the kids the right way to do things.”