Accessible egg hunt bring smiles to Marklund residents

Posted April 15, 2025 5:21 pm

By Dawn Lassiter-Brueske, Marklund

Marklund Hyde Center resident Jacob is happy with his capture of an Easter egg tied to a balloon at the adapted egg hunt held on April 12 at St. Paul’s UCC in Elgin. Courtesy of Marklund

It was a beautiful spring day at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Elgin as residents from Marklund’s Geneva and Elgin locations came together on Saturday, April 12, for an adapted Easter egg hunt that was fully inclusive and filled with fun!

Featuring a parking lot covered with colorful balloons tied with decorative ribbons to the prized Easter eggs, as well as a fun photo booth, art activities and gift bags, every detail made the day a blessed way to start off the Easter season for the residents, all of whom were in wheelchairs.

A Marklund volunteer assists Marklund Wasmond Center resident Britany at the adapted egg hunt on April 12. Courtesy of Marklund

Staff and volunteers from Marklund, a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with profound developmental disabilities, supported the residents who had such fun being able to reach for the balloons and get their special Easter eggs, as well as meet some wonderful new friends at the church.

Members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Elgin assist Marklund Wasmond Center resident Robbie with his balloon capture during the inclusive Easter egg hunt held on the church grounds on Saturday, April 12. Courtesy of Marklund

Marklund volunteer Alison Smith of Elgin assisted with planning the event and inviting her friends at Marklund.

Smith has been a volunteer at Marklund for more than six years, often bringing her pet therapy dog Dolan to visit with the staff and residents.

Angela Williams, Marklund Wasmond Center staff member, gets ready to go for the Easter eggs with her friend Claire. Courtesy of Marklund

Volunteer opportunities

Marklund offers volunteer opportunities for individuals, businesses, schools, clubs, or groups seeking to engage with the community.

This may include: outings taking residents into the community with staff; visits to parks, petting zoo, shopping, movies, bowling, and more; in-house activities which are offered throughout the day and weekends; arts & crafts, games, reading, sports games, gardening; special events; summer games, community gift opening, movie night, cultural and holiday celebrations, baseball games in Geneva.

Or do you have a special talent to share? Brighten the resident’s day with your special gift such as music, dance, theater, or singing.

Alison Smith of Elgin, a Marklund volunteer, helped plan this adaptive Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 12, in Elgin. Courtesy of Marklund

Marklund can help in creating a tailored one-day project or a long-term volunteer program suitable for groups of all sizes, addressing the needs of both the nonprofit and the group. Volunteer Days offer an excellent chance to unite your team while gaining insights into the individuals at the Marklund locations.

If you are interested in volunteering but are not sure how, Marklund’s volunteer department staff can help you learn about the many options. No matter your gift, talent, skill or your age, Marklund has a place for you. Volunteers are needed daily.

Learn more or sign up to volunteer at www.marklund.org/volunteer/.

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