Each year, our community comes together in the weeks before Christmas to make the holiday season brighter for children in need by donating toys to various organizations, as well as choosing names placed on the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

That giving spirit that is alive and well in Warren County should continue throughout the year, including during Easter. That’s why it is so important for our community to help with the Baskets for Believers.

The program, which began in 2005 by Ricky and Saralie Johnson, collects Easter baskets for children in need through a partnership with Vicksburg Family Development and the CAP Center. More than 200 children are in need this year, according to organizers.

“Some of the requests we have are for specific age appropriate items that are requested by Vicksburg Family Development,” Ricky Johnson said. “I would say the majority are traditional baskets with eggs, candy and a book about the Easter season.”

Descriptions of children who would like an Easter basket can be picked up at First Baptist Church, St. Paul Catholic Church, St. Michael Catholic Church and Hometown Medical.

The eggs on the Easter tree that were decorated by seventh and 12th grade theology classes at the Vicksburg Catholic Schools, identify a child with the age, sex and items they need.

“The baskets will go to children up to age 10,” Kay Lee, director of Vicksburg Family Development, said. “It is an awesome and wonderful service for the children in our program. It has gotten to be a special thing for us.”

The baskets are due Wednesday and can be returned to church where the egg was selected or taken to Vicksburg Family Development.

All children in our community deserve an Easter basket, especially those who need to know we care about them.