Making Easter A Little Happier For Families In Need

By Nancy K. Crevier

Newtown High School junior Paige Kroha, 16, delivered 40 Easter baskets to St Rose Church, Tuesday, April 3, for delivery to local families in need. An additional 30 baskets were dropped off the following day to Newtown Social Services.

This is the third year that Paige has coordinated Easter basket distributions, an initiative she began three years ago when, as a patient at Yale New Haven and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia during her middle school years, she was impressed by the level of charity she saw. She approached St Rose Church secretary Pam Arsenault that year and asked how she could help. Given the names of approximately 14 parish families in need, Paige assembled Easter baskets for them.

Last year that number grew to 48 baskets distributed locally and in the immediate area by St Rose and FAITH Food Pantry, and this year using connections made through the church and a family friend involved in shelters in Danbury, Paige put together 70 baskets.

“This is something she started herself,” said her father, Michael Kroha. Initially, added her mother, Cathi Kroha, Paige paid for the candy and other items herself and with donations from her friends. Since then, she has reached out to the business community and church members, as well as to family and friends for the gently used stuffed animals and toys that supplement the Easter treats.

Family friend Fred Ryan, owner of McCaan Bros Baskets Imports, supplied 54 of the baskets used this year.

As the Easter basket project grows, so too, has the Kroha family’s involvement. Sisters Victoria, 13, and Veronica, 9, lend helping hands in assembling the baskets, and Paige’s parents help load and deliver the baskets to the church and Social Services.

Next year, Paige hopes to double the number of baskets.

“I’m pretty impressed with her effort,” said Mr Kroha.