HU alumni office collecting Easter baskets, items for SCAN

HUNTINGTON, Ind. Huntington University in partnership with the Northeast Indiana Alumni Directors Consortium (NIADC) is once again collecting Easter baskets and Easter items to donate to SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect). The baskets of toys, books and treats are given to children in the organization's home-based prevention programs and to youngsters who come for supervised visits with their parents in the family restoration program.

The sole mission of SCAN is to eliminate child abuse or neglect in northeast Indiana through family services, education and community partnerships. Huntington County is included in those counties served.

"The baskets are a very special treat for the children served by SCAN. Our caseworkers look forward each year to offering them to families and watching the children's faces light up," said Jennifer Boen, communications manager for SCAN. "We appreciate the message of support this annual gesture sends from area colleges who participate. The little ones who receive the baskets are the faces of many who will be on these college campuses in just a few years."

The Huntington community is invited to get involved by donating filled Easter baskets or donating other Easter items. Suggested items include commercially wrapped or bagged Easter candy, colored plastic eggs with treats or surprises, bubbles, children's books, stuffed animals, games and toys. Filled baskets are to be put into cellophane bags and tied at the top so items won't fall out.

Baskets and materials may be dropped off at the HU Office of Alumni Relations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays from March 1 through March 22. Alumni Director Margaret Roush is also willing to pick up large quantities of baskets assembled by students, clubs or businesses. For more information or to schedule a pick-up, call Roush at 260-359-4097 or mroush@huntington.edu.