OLNEY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)—The Olney Elks Lodge #926 is hosting its Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Olney City Park, but this time they are adding something special for children with special needs.
For decades, members of the Olney community have welcomed families across Richland County to celebrate with this Spring tradition. Each year, Elks members and other volunteers fill over 10,000 eggs with candy, coins, and prize coupons. The event normally brings in hundreds of families and includes free hotdogs, chips, and drinks. Over 400 meals were served at the 2024 hunt. Some of the prizes up for grabs include bicycles and gift cards for each age group. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand for photos.
This year, however, there will be not just one egg hunt but two. The second hunt is reserved for the community’s “egg-septional” friends, those with special needs and Special Olympics athletes. The first hunt will begin at 11 a.m., and the second special hunt will begin at 2 p.m. on April 12. This event is the only of its kind in the area and was created after members of the Lodge’s Easter Egg Hunt Committee discussed how to create an inclusive experience for all. The lodge was able to accomplish this with support from the Special Olympics and the CTF Illinois Community Day Services.
To support both of these events, lodge members and volunteers filled 13,000 eggs for this year’s event. The lodge has raised $6,000 to cover expenses for the celebration.
“We are truly blessed to be part of such a generous and caring community,” said Co-Chair of the Easter Egg Hunt Committee Sissy Colwell. “These events would not be possible without the continued support of our sponsors, volunteers, and partners.”
