‘I Love You, Easter Bunny!’ How This 12-Year-Old’s Simple Question Sparked a Massive Wave of Kindness
What started with one basket now brings hope to dozens of children each year
Key Takeaways
- Riley Smith started "Easter Baskets for Homeless Kids" at just 12 years old.
- The project now includes 45 volunteers and supports local domestic abuse centers.
- Each customized basket includes treats, toys, and a handwritten Bible verse of hope.
When 12-year-old Riley Smith learned that homeless children in her community didn’t receive Easter baskets, she was heartbroken. So Riley and her mom, Jess, jumped into action. Here, they share their story with Woman’s World.
Easter was always one of 12-year-old Riley Smith’s favorite holidays — second only to Christmas. She loved the egg hunts, dressing up for church and the big family dinners.
But that spring, Riley had a question. “Where do homeless kids get Easter baskets?” she asked her mom, Jess Rice.
“I don’t know,” Jess told Riley, “but I’ll find out.”
Jess and her family had always sought out ways to give back and help the underprivileged. Every year, they chose several names from the local Angel Tree, and whenever the school held a food or clothing drive, Riley eagerly joined in. They always bagged food and supplies, and kept them in the family car to give out whenever they spotted someone in need. But when Jess searched for Kitsap County, Washington, Easter programs, she came up empty.
“We should do something,” Riley said, and the very next day she and Jess went shopping for baskets and treats.
Happiness multiplied
A few days before Easter, they took the baskets to a local shelter, and the response was overwhelming.
“No one has ever thought to do this before,” a staff member said as she happily accepted their donations. And for Riley, her own basket was all the sweeter, knowing she was bringing joy to other kids.
“Can we do it again next year?” she asked her mom.
With plenty of time to get organized, Jess posted her request on her Facebook page and even started a group called Easter Baskets for Homeless Kids. She also set up an Amazon wish list, and soon donations were pouring in from across the country. Local families also offered to join the basket-making effort.
By the spring of 2021, Jess and Riley had enough candy, coloring books, socks and other treats to fill 75 baskets. In each, they also placed a handwritten Bible verse of hope. Riley dressed up in a bunny costume, and they threw a small party at the shelter with baskets lined up on a table and a photographer snapping photos of the kids sitting with the Easter Bunny.
“I love you, Easter Bunny!” one little girl beamed, throwing her arms around Riley.
Spreading smiles
These days, Jess coordinates with a local homeless shelter and domestic abuse center to get names and ages of each child, so she and 45 local volunteers can assemble age-appropriate, customized baskets.
Amanda Gerace, one of the group’s first volunteers, even offered her husband’s jujutsu studio the Saturday before Easter so they could assemble the baskets.
“The staff and family always look forward to the parties,” says Audrey Wolf, Director of Kitsap Rescue Mission. “Watching the children dig into their baskets is a treat for everyone.”
Riley, now 17, still fits into her bunny costume and loves posing with the kids.
“Every child deserves a treat for Easter,” says Jess with a smile.
Riley agrees. “I can’t imagine waking up Easter morning and not finding a basket. It would be like waking up Christmas morning with no presents to unwrap.”
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