Helping Hands OV encourages residents to sponsor an Easter basket for a child in need this spring through their adopt-a-child initiative. The organization will also hold a spring carnival and food drive on March 28. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) – Helping Hands OV is once again calling on the community to help put a hop in the step of kids in need through its annual Easter Baskets for Kids in Need Program, an adopt-a-child–style initiative designed to bring joy to local children this spring.

Community members, families, clubs and organizations are encouraged to adopt a child by selecting an age and gender. Donors then receive detailed information about the child or children they are sponsoring, allowing them to create personalized Easter baskets filled with treats, activities and spring surprises.

Families who may be experiencing financial hardship are also invited to apply to receive Easter baskets for their children. All applications to give or receive baskets must be completed by March 11.

“We rely on the generosity of our community to make this program possible,” said Helping Hands OV President Sydnie Anderson. “These baskets are more than items – they’re a reminder to kids that their community sees them, cares about them and wants them to feel special.”

Registration details and full program information can be found at helpinghandsov.org under the Easter Baskets for Kids in Need tab. Donors are urgently needed to ensure every child who applies receives a basket.

In celebration of the Easter season, Helping Hands OV is also excited to bring back its Spring Community Carnival & Food Drive, a free, family-friendly event open to all. The carnival will feature games, activities and free photos with the Easter Bunny, generously sponsored by Rose Senior Placement.

Community members attending the carnival are encouraged, if able, to bring a food donation to support the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank, where the need for assistance continues to rise. Helping Hands OV is proud to lend a helping hand by supporting local families facing food insecurity.

School groups, clubs, nonprofits and other organizations are invited to join the fun by hosting a free carnival booth featuring a family-friendly activity. Organizations interested in participating should contact Helping Hands OV at [email protected] by Feb. 28 for more information.

The carnival will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 at Orangevale Grange, 5807 Walnut Ave.

Together, these programs reflect Helping Hands OV’s mission of connecting the community, one hand at a time – spreading kindness, meeting growing needs and creating moments of joy for children and families throughout Orangevale and Fair Oaks.