With Lent already under way, the staff and volunteers at Holy Family Food Pantry in Springfield are gearing up for the distribution of Easter food baskets. The baskets will include the makings for a traditional Easter dinner, plus a week's worth of groceries. Easter baskets and candy for children will also be included, as will eggs and Easter egg coloring dye kits.

While Catholic Charities has been running Thanksgiving and Christmas programs for over 25 years, the Easter program is practically brand new, said Janet Nelson, supervisor at the pantry. "We pioneered the Easter program last year, so this is only our second year to distribute those food baskets," she said. "This year we expect to help 150 families. We specifically work on helping families who have children in the home."

If a priest or parishioner knows of a family who would benefit from the program, they should contact Nelson. A head of household can also call or stop by, Nelson said. "However, the sooner we hear from people the better," she said, adding that she is also always looking for volunteers to work at the pantry.

Groups or individuals can adopt a family and fill an Easter basket, but any menu items are welcome, said Nelson. People who wish to make a monetary donation for the Easter food baskets should be sure to write "holiday" either on a note or in the memo section of the check.

Catholic Charities has a specific list of items needed for Easter baskets. Completed baskets can be dropped off between 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. any weekday between March 5-18. The pantry will also be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11.  

For more information on adopting a family or donating food, candy or funds for the Easter baskets, call Janet Nelson at (217) 523-2450 or drop off the baskets at the corner of 11th and Washington streets on or before March 18. The mailing address is Holy Family Food Pantry, 1023 E. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62703.