Croton Easter Hunt Going To The Dogs ... And Cats

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — A 10-year tradition at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley is going public this year.

All families are welcome at the Easter morning hunt — where instead of searching for Easter eggs on the Fellowship lawn, kids search for cans of dog and cat food. (All participants will receive a personal "goody bag.")

"This year, for the first time, we are opening up this event to our local community," organizers said. "It is always a joyful event, especially knowing that we are helping the dogs and cats of our local community."

April is an extremely important month for animals at the Fellowship.

That’s the month in 1866 that Henry Bergh, a Unitarian, founded the ASPCA in New York City. As the pioneer and innovator of the humane movement, the ASPCA quickly became the model for many other humane organizations like the SPCA of Westchester.

In honor of Henry Bergh’s legacy, every April, the UU congregation in Croton collects dog and cat food to donate to the Westchester organization.

That's why for the past 10 years, every Easter Sunday, instead of hunting for traditional Easter eggs, the kids hunt for cans of cat and dog food that have been hidden on the church grounds.

The Easter Can Hunt will be held on Easter Sunday, April 17. Meet indoors at 10 a.m. at 2021 Albany Post Road, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520.

Pet food donations are welcome, too.