Wellsville's VFW Easter Egg Hunt

Here is an effort put forth by a bunch caring folks that just reaffirms that the ville is truly a special place. The members of the Tommy Mackall VFW post and their Lady's Auxiliary here in town put in untold hours each year begging for donations and getting things lined up for the annual Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. Although I wasn't told this, I'm betting there was a lot of digging in their own pockets to help rather than relying strictly on donations. That's just the way these folks are with their love and wish to do something nice for the kids.

Mary Wright, the Auxiliary President, told me they spent yesterday from 8 in the morning until 3 o'clock in the afternoon coloring 3,000 eggs for today's hunt at the football field. Kids are divided in four different age groups from newborn - 3 years, 4 - 6 years, 7 & 8 year old to 9 & 10 years old. Coming in the gate each child is given a ticket and that is for a gift and a bag of candy for each and every one of them. Along with gathering enough eggs to feed the family for a week every child is given the candy & gift.

VFW Commander Bill Wolf told me there were a lot less kids this year than what they had last year. He was estimating this year participants to be around 150 - 200 youngsters. It looked like a lot more to me but then there were Moms & Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Grand Paps and Grandmas mixed in with the kids.

Pictured above are the egg hunters lined up around the track waiting for the start signal. Then they were off gathering the eggs. That's Wellsville native Jim Thirtyacre putting in his requests to the Easter Bunny. Jim is the son of Dale & Nancy Thirtyacre. The bunny role was played by the ville's Todd Farnsworth. The little lad tenderly holding the blue teddy bear is Jacob Williamson from Binghampton, NY. He is the great-grandson of ville resident Gene Williamson. I didn't get the name of the little lady with the football but she had her hands full. I think she was holding the football for big brother. That was one of the gifts that were given. Finally is VFW Commander Wolf and his wife Naomi looking on at one of the gift tables. You can click on any of the pictures to enlarge for a better view.

A hearty thanks to all those folks from the VFW for all their time and efforts they put in to organize and put this event on year after year for the kids. You all are special people too.

Again, Happy Easter...

ole nib