CLEVELAND — Giving back means the world to Asa Cox. She said growing up poor inspired her to launch her nonprofit organization, Asa’s Angels, 18 years ago.
What You Need To Know
- Asa’s Angels plans to distribute 2,000-3,000 Easter baskets
- Despite hard times, organizers said helping people in need is what it is all about
- Families may register online for an Easter basket through March 28
“My first Christmas, I did 57 Christmas gifts and about 10 Easter baskets,” she said. “Last year, we did over 15,000 Christmas gifts for our needy kids and we did about 1,500 baskets.”
This year, she expects Asa’s Angels to hand out between 2,000 and 3,000 baskets.
“We always think that on Easter morning, it’s great to wake up as a child and run and try to find your Easter basket,” Cox said. “So, it’s important for me, for the kids out there, to have it.”
Cox said it’s hard to ignore the rising costs of just about everything.
“The biggest thing that we’re seeing this year is prices have gone up,” she said. “Easter bunnies used to be about $0.89, and now they’re up about $0.50 apiece, which doesn’t sound like a lot. But when you’re talking 3,000 or 2,000, you know, times $0.50 apiece, that’s another $1,500, just on Easter bunnies alone.”
She said people are also needing help now more than ever.
“It’s really hard. A lot of people don’t realize how many people out there are hurting right now because they look at all their neighbors and think everybody’s doing great,” she said. “But we see applications all the time. With gas prices so high and different stuff going on, people can’t afford the extra $30, $40 to make baskets.”
She said despite hard times, helping people in need is what it is all about.
“That’s why we love to come together and make them in the community for everyone,” she said.
Families who would like to receive Easter baskets for their children may register at asasangels.com through March 28. The site also has information on how to help.
