Lindenhurst preschoolers create Easter baskets for less fortunate kids

Laughing preschool children rushed around their classrooms Wednesday at the Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center, grabbing bags of cookies, boxes of chalk and furry teddy bears to fill Easter baskets for less fortunate kids.

More than 70 preschoolers handmade 400 spring baskets to be donated to local charities and hospitals so that children will wake up Easter morning to a beautiful basket.

"The children have always done a great job of helping with our community," preschool teacher Julie Harter said. "They know that the Easter baskets are going to be provided for children that are in hospitals. They enjoy putting things together to make other children feel better."

The baskets were donated by the 100% Foundation, bags came from Uline, food and candy were provided by Target and the students' parents, and the stuffed animals were contributed by Jim and Helen Harney.

The baskets will be given to children in need, as well as those in foster, residential and hospital care, at more than 20 locations that include the DCFS Foster Care Division, Kid's Hope United, Safe Place, Allendale, Lake County Housing Authority, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Vista and the Lake Villa/PLAN/Open Arms Mission Food Pantries.