By Brooke Curley
brooke@gilavalleycentral.net
SAFFORD- Designed for youngsters with special needs, the second annual Easter egg hunt for special needs kids will be on March 30, at the Manor House in Safford.
When it comes to being the parent of a child who has special needs, finding other parents to associate with, and a group that is a friendly space for your kiddo is important. Stormi Lacey is a local parent of a special needs child, and is in charge of the annual Easter egg hunt for special needs children. Thanks to the generosity of the residents of the Gila Valley, the event is free. Lacey held the egg hunt in her back yard last year, but this year the new location will be at the Manor House located at 415 E U.S. Hwy 70, Safford, at 4:00. Despite the fact that many local children like the egg hunt that goes on at the Mt. Graham Fair Grounds, Lacey told Gila Valley Central that it doesn’t accommodate special needs children very well.
Contributed photo/ Courtesy of Stormi Lacey: Allison and Abraham collect Easter eggs together at the 2017 hunt.
“I started this event because my 6 year old son, Bentley, has a chromosomal abnormality and the egg hunt at the fairgrounds isn’t accommodating to kids with special needs. (Although my typical kids love that one). Last year’s went good. The kids were super excited and able to do their own thing. They all got a ton of eggs and lots of door prizes,” Lacey said. “I just wanted to start it to give every kid an opportunity to experience Easter egg hunting.”
Lacey told Gila Valley Central that the hunt has plenty of supplies thanks to the local businesses and residents of the Gila Valley. However, what she truly wants is to invite all parents of special needs children out to the event.
“I try to make it as easy and fun for all the kids as possible. And try to accommodate all the kids accordingly! Since we have such a great community who are willing to help out and donate it makes this possible and keeps it free for everyone,” Lacey said. “I would just ask them (the parents) to come give it a try. Come mingle with other special needs families who understand the struggle. And just to know that their child won’t be left out!”
The free event is for the families of children with special needs. The egg hunt will be March 30, at the Manor House located at 415 E U.S. Hwy 70, Safford. The hunt will begin at 4:00 pm.
