The Daviess County Animal Shelter is hosting a fundraiser to help parents enjoy Easter morning. Parents can have candy and treat-filled eggs hidden in their yards by shelter volunteers Easter morning.
Animal shelter volunteer Jessica Smith got the idea to do this last spring year after seeing community yards that had been “flocked,” with flamingos for various school fundraisers. She initially thought an egg hunt at the animal shelter would be fun, but then she thought bigger.
“Two weeks before Easter I asked the shelter about filling eggs and putting them in yards,” Smith said, adding that the idea was well-received by shelter employees.
In its first year, Smith said they “egged” around 35 yards and brought in $1,700 for the shelter. Walmart donated the plastic eggs and the candy and treats that were used were donated to the shelter by individuals. TD’s Tough Decisions donated a bunny costume for the event and Smith wore it to egg some of the yards, something she hopes to do again this year.
Smith hopes to double last year’s donation. With 16 yards already on the list, she is hoping more people call in because all of the money raised by this fundraiser goes directly to help with transportation and medical care for the Daviess County Animal Shelter, a place where Smith adopted two of her pets.
Volunteers will fill large and small eggs with chocolate candies and small treats that are brought in and Smith said that none of the candies are loose — everything is wrapped. They try to not use gum and are intentional in making the eggs something that all ages can enjoy.
“It just depends on what is dropped off,” Smith said.
Filled eggs can also be picked up at the shelter for five dollars less than the egging price. This helps for families that do their hunts prior to Easter — or even neighborhoods that do a hunt.
Three quantities of eggs are available — 35 filled eggs for $30, 55 eggs for $40 and 75 eggs for $50. The eggs are hidden Easter morning and volunteers are finished by 9 a.m.
Smith said payments for “Egg Your Yard” can be made at the shelter or called in. Currently, all of the kennels are full and she hopes this event will also increase the interest in adopting or fostering these animals that are in desperate need of homes.
For more information about the event or to donate candy, eggs, treats (such as stickers or small toys to put in the eggs), or to help fill eggs, contact Smith at 270-903-9163 or the Daviess County Animal Shelter at 270-685-8275. The shelter is located at 2620 Highway 81.
