Easter Egg Hunt For Children With Special Needs Set For March 24

A Burlington County coffee shop that provides work for people with disabilities is hosting a free Easter Egg hunt for children with special needs on Saturday, March 24, on the lawn at the County Administration Building, county officials announced.

Breaking Grounds, which opened last December in Mount Holly, is run by the Zefer Foundation. The foundation works to change society’s perception of individuals with developmental disabilities. It is working with the county and the sheriff’s department for the event.

The coffee shop is specifically designed to create jobs for young adults with autism, Down syndrome, or other developmental disabilities. Through these real world jobs, Breaking Grounds is providing their dozen employees with the communication, social and safety skills needed to improve their quality of life and be productive members of the community.

“We are so excited to partner with Breaking Grounds who has done so much to promote inclusion and diversity for developmentally disabled young adults in Burlington County,” Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs said. “This egg hunt is not just about providing children with special needs and their families a chance to enjoy a great Easter tradition, but to highlight organizations that are providing real opportunities for all individuals in our community.”

The egg hunt will be held in three sessions and feature emergency vehicles on-site and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. Children will participate in small groups and will be aided by sound, flashing light and magnetic devices. The sessions are as follows:

• Session 1: Visually Impaired: 1 p.m.
• Session 2: Mobility Impaired: 1:45 p.m.
• Session 3: Autism and other disabilities: 2:15 p.m.

“This program is just one of the many innovative ways in which the Sheriff’s department seeks to better serve our citizens through community engagement,” Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield said. “Our neighborhoods and towns are better and safer places to live when people come together and are accepting of everyone. I hope to build new ties with children and families from all over the county through our inaugural egg hunt.”

Those interested in attending should pre-register before Wednesday, March 21, by calling 609-265-5131 or emailing ekocher@co.burlington.nj.us. The egg hunt is open to children of all ages with special needs. Food and light refreshments will be provided. Rain date is Saturday, March 31.

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