DOBBINS HEIGHTS — There was a mad dash Monday as kids out of school for Spring Break scoured the Dobbins Heights Community Park trying to get their hands on as many Easter eggs as they could.
More than 1,200 hard-boiled eggs, painted in vibrant pastel colors, were hidden around the park. The zones were separated by age group, with those 5 years old and under searching the picnic tables; those between 6 and 8 years old searching the playground equipment; and those 9 to 12 searching the grassy baseball field.
Helen Robinson, a volunteer who’s been involved with the Easter celebrations for 19 years, would lead the children to the threshold of each zone and, at her signal, launched a wave of egg-seeking missiles. More than 100 children participated in the hunt.
“I love these kids and I love my community,” Robinson said.
While the children searched, their families ate hot dogs and hamburgers and listened to music shaded from the sun — a rare signs that it is, in fact, spring. The food was contributed by Hamlet Review Lodge 105, who had five volunteers at the park helping manage the day’s festivities.
“It makes you feel good in the heart,” Clyde McCoy, leader of the lodge, said of their support. “Anything we can do for the kids.”
There were six “lucky eggs” among the 1,200 others, two in each zone. Inside those eggs were the words “peace,” “love,” “hope,” “Jesus,” “Christ” and “joy.” Those who found one of these eggs also received $10. Deandre Goodwin, 2, found both the “peace” and “love” eggs his zone.
Anitra Russel, 7, found the “Christ” egg. Parish “J.R.” Johnson, 6, found the “Jesus” egg near the woods. Corrie Mayfield, 7, found the “hope” egg at the back of the baseball field. Portia Kendall, 13, found the “joy” egg against the fence in the baseball field.
Three children also went home with bicycles donated by an anonymous community member.
“Fun and fellowship is the best thing to me,” Town Council member Angeline David said.
Reach Gavin Stone at 910-817-2674 or gstone@www.yourdailyjournal.com.

