In the coming days, area children will get to put all their eggs in one very large basket as local community organizations host a variety of egg hunts.
The Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley invites families from across Santa Cruz County to a groundbreaking celebration of community, accessibility and childhood joy. The first-ever Accessible Egg Hunt will take place Sunday, March 29, at Highlands Park in Ben Lomond, and it’s completely free to attend.
For many families with disabled children, traditional egg hunts can be overwhelming or simply not feasible. That’s about to change.
“We believe every child deserves to feel included and celebrated,” said Elizabeth Marzili, director of The Valley Women’s Club. “This egg hunt is about making magic happen for kids who are so often left out.”
To ensure a meaningful experience for all, the event offers three specially-designed egg hunts: Beeper Hunt for children with visual impairments; Wheelchair Hunt for kids with mobility challenges; and Sensory-Friendly Hunt for neurodivergent participants.
Egg hunts will run every 20 minutes in small, calm groups to reduce overstimulation. Siblings are welcome, and families can pre-register for time slots online.
After the hunt, children will exchange eggs for a certificate and a sensory-friendly goodie bag filled with Pop-It fidgets and other delightful items. Additional activities include face painting, story time, a sensory play station from Messy Play Kits, and a fun photo booth.
The event is made possible through collaboration with dedicated partners and sponsors who believe in inclusive fun. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit valleywomensclub.org.
Then, on Saturday, April 4, the San Lorenzo Valley High School (SLVHS) Interact Club is hosting its third annual Community Egg Hunt at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School’s Field of Dreams.
The SLVHS Interact Club is a student-run organization that focuses on positively influencing the high school campus, serving the community, and building fellowship and leadership with its members. The club is also connected with the San Lorenzo Valley Rotary Club and creates events that fortify the community’s needs.
According to Charlotte Achen, SLVHS college and career specialist and SLVHS Interact Club adviser, “Interact’s Community Egg Hunt helps bring our SLV community together and is a fun, safe way for families to celebrate the spring. This year the event also will be bringing in donations to the Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center to help support those they assist and their programs. What has made previous years successful is the volunteer work SLVHS Interact Club members put into the event. They also have made a commitment to improving upon the event each year. One of the new additions for this year’s egg hunt is a family photo booth and some other new activities.”
The Community Egg Hunt is split into two heats, 10am and 11am. Entry for kids is $5, and parents are free. Kids are encouraged to bring their own baskets, but a small number will be available at the event.
While proceeds from the event will benefit the Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center, additional donations are welcomed by the organization and the following items are in constant need: sweatpants and sweatshirts (all adult sizes); new underwear and bras (all sizes); new socks; laundry detergent; shampoo and body wash; toothpaste and other basic hygiene items.
“We hope that our SLV families will join us on April 4 at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary’s Field of Dreams (7155 Highway 9 in Felton) from 9:30am to 12pm,” Achen said.
