Written by Bailey Coffman // Photo by Briley Kemper
The Harding Nursing Student Association has been getting ready for its annual Easter egg hunt fundraiser, where its goal is to spread excitement to families in the Searcy community. This event allows nursing students to help families enjoy the tradition of Easter egg hunts with ease. Individual eggs can be bought by families, which the nursing students volunteer to fill over a span of a few weeks before the eggs are placed in the respective families’ yards the night before Easter Sunday.
As preparations for the Easter egg hunt fundraiser are underway, members of HNSA said they are thrilled to participate in the excitement of the Easter season. Although the eggs have been filled and orders fulfilled, the second part of the fundraiser is approaching.
McKenzie Wilson, a member of HNSA, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the joy it brings to those involved.
“I work in a daycare, and I see kids’ excitement over such little things,” Wilson said. “Easter egg hunts are something that most kids would be thrilled to experience.”
The fundraiser speaks to the heart of what HNSA stands for, which is serving the immediate community in a fun and engaging way. Through selling Easter eggs, the HNSA can continue to fulfill its motto, developing servant hearts through creating a sense of togetherness during what can sometimes feel like a busy season.
Maddie Lowry, president of the HNSA, spoke to the significance of the event in providing relief to parents.
“By selling these eggs, we are able to help busy parents still give their kids the joy of Easter,” Lowry said. “I still hunt eggs every year, and I’m happy we are able to make these kiddos’ parents’ lives a little bit easier.”
Dr. Kim Swenson, who is a sponsor for Sigma Theta Tau International Epsilon Omicron chapter, is the faculty adviser for HNSA.
“It’s a project we’ve done for two years, and it’s a lot of fun,” Swenson said. “It’s a way to connect Harding students to the community and correlates with our program motto, ‘Developing Nurses as Christian Servants.’”
Although all students have the opportunity to participate, the event is organized primarily by the board of directors of HNSA. Students have the chance to get involved by signing up to fill Easter eggs and assisting in hiding them in yards across the community.
Although the ages of participants often vary, receiving gifts from the Easter bunny is something that appeals to kids of all ages, Swenson said.
“Some of the kids are older, but we always say you’re never too old for the Easter bunny,” Swenson said.
