SUN CITY – Diane Naples was going to give up.
Though she had already dedicated 15 years to creating Easter baskets and donating them to children in need, health issues sidelined her this year and, as she put it, “I just haven’t gotten back to my old self.”
Then family, friends, and even the Sun Day called, and something sparked. She decided to do it one more year.
Diane Naples (left) and friend Arlene Gwozdz prepare Easter baskets for donation to underprivileged children. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
In her first year, Naples created 12 Easter baskets. Last year, she delivered 85 to St. Vincent DePaul of St. Mary’s in Huntley and the Itasca Food Pantry.
“I felt an Easter basket for a child would give them hope for a better year,” Naples said in a Resident Reporter entry in May 2014.
There is no set goal this year — as there have been no set goals in each of the 15 years preceding this one. Naples said the goal is to simply produce as many Easter baskets as she can.
“I think the biggest thing is that I want to make people aware that we have a big need at home. I don’t know if people realize that we have children who are in need right in our backyard.
“When I see a child that has nothing to wear, who maybe lives in a car or sleeps on the floor, it blows my mind,” Naples said.
Naples inventories gifts for the baskets. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
Each basket costs an average of $25, and items include clothing, school supplies, treats, and an Easter bunny.
“I always try to include an article of clothing,” Naples said. “When we were younger, my grandmother would always make sure we each had an Easter outfit, and though I can’t afford a full outfit, I want them to at least have an article of clothing.”
In the past, Naples mentioned that her friends, neighbors, and such organizations as the Celtic Club of Del Webb have been supportive and heard her plea. While she is currently in the midst of organizing the project for this year, Naples knows of two things she already needs.
“To really get this thing going, it takes helping hands. Not only do I need funding, but I also need volunteers. When you do these baskets, we put in almost 1,000 items by the time we’re done, as each basket gets about 20 to 25 items.”
In the end, though, it’s the children that see the greatest impact: “All the notes I’ve received from children over the years, thanking me for these baskets just warms my heart,” Naples said.
While this may end up being her last year hosting the basket drive, Naples has no plan of letting the project drive into the sunset. She said her attempt now is to try and get someone to take the keys for next year, and then see where the project goes from there.
If interested, or to get more information, email Naples at dianemnaples@yahoo.com or by phone at 224-569-6055.
