ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Load up the kids and their baskets and head out to Garrett Park in Robertsdale on Good Friday, April 22, from 10 a.m-1 p.m. for an “Easter Eggstravaganza “ sponsored by The Lighthouse of Baldwin County.

This is the 9th year for the event, catering to children 12 and under, said coordinator Heather Love, and there will be plenty of games and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

“We have about 8,000 eggs that have been donated to us from schools, churches and community sponsors but anyone can still donate eggs or individually wrapped candy (no chocolate) or small toys. We are also collecting used cell phones and a collection box will be available at the site as well,” Love said.

In addition to the egg hunt, beginning at 11 a.m., there will be a bouncy house, various games and horseback riding provided by Lakewood stables, a cake walk, and puppet show plus inspirational, motivational music provided by Marjorie Searcy of Fairhope.

There will also be door prizes, free hot dogs and hamburgers provided by the Robertsdale Fire Department and cokes and sprite donated by the Coca-Cola company and ice donated by Morgan’s Ice.

“We have had so much community support for this event with local businesses donating time and items for us including Target and Publix donating gift cards and will have presentations by the Marine Police and Search and Rescue personnel here too. Also volunteers from schools and the community will be here ,” Love said.

The CARE House and Project Rebound will be there and free fingerprint kits will be given out by H and R Block plus representatives from the sexual assault team will be on hand to answer questions, Love said.

“This is our opportunity to give back to the community and let people know what resources and services we provide. We are looking forward to a fun day for families. We had around 300 kids from all over the county come out last year and we are hoping for more this year,” Love said.

A United Way agency, The Lighthouse opened its doors in 1994 and serves all of Baldwin and Escambia Counties with its main office in Robertsdale. It provides support to those experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.

According to their website, the Lighthouse offers “ a 24 hour crisis line, individual and group counseling, case management , court advocacy services, transitional housing, advocacy for children, prevention education and safe and secure shelter for those in danger who have nowhere else to go.”

The Lighthouse staff includes licensed counselors, social workers and criminal justice professionals and receives support and resources from private citizens, civic groups, faith-based groups, businesses, county and municipal governments. They also have a 20 member board of directors.

The 24 hour crisis line is available everyday and offers information and help to sort out problems and options, help with safety, planning and provide referrals to other resources. This service is available no matter how long ago the incident (s) occurred.

Also available is individual and group counseling to residents and non-residents of the shelter and a personal safety education program is offered to children 5-13 years old and childcare is provided for those attending.

Shelter housing is available for those in danger and have no other place to go and the staff will provide a secure environment with a nutritional program, a playroom and playground for the children. Traditional housing for those who qualify is available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In-service training is also offered to Law Enforcement professionals, legal professionals, medical personnel and social service professionals on the subject of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. The Lighthouse partners with the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence for this state-certified training.

For more information or to arrange for a speaker from the Lighthouse to address specific topics at your school, church, civic or service organization, contact (251) 947-6197.

Eggs or candy can be dropped off at The Lighthouse, 23306 Chicago Street, Robertsdale.