The Easter Bunny arrived early for kids by stopping at Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association’s annual community egg hunt, held April 19 on the grounds at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 4 S. Fifth St., Coplay. The Bunny, and the resident volunteer donning the suit, was swarmed by children hoping for a picture.

Association President Rick Hess was all smiles as he and his seasoned team of volunteers put together another memory maker for the kids and their families. Joining Hess was Christine Mann, Carol Burker, Karen and Jeffry Deutsch, Bob Hauke, Faye Schreiner, Andrea Frisch and more, who were happy with the turnout and enjoyed the satisfaction they garnered from their labor to contribute toward Coplay’s high quality of life. Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra is also a dedicated community volunteer and was on hand to support the hunt.

Excited kids and family members stood at the starting line waiting for the green light to start the hunt. When the signal sounded, there was a spirited dash by egg hunters, particularly seeking the coveted prize eggs.

A youngster named McCoy, his dad Victor, his aunt Lori and their puppy named Einstein, all from Coplay, were together after the hunt checking McCoy’s eggs. They discovered McCoy had a prize egg, and he was so proud and excited to learn he picked up a winning egg.

Three generations of the Korsak family, many from Coplay, posed with the Easter Bunny for a family picture after the hunt. The egg hunt is a memory maker not only for the kids but also for the parents, grandparents and other family members.

It also is an event that bonds generations of volunteers. These volunteers take time out of their lives to serve at a small but important event for the residents. They understand the value of holding this experience, which bridges generations.

The power of volunteerism is a basic expression in human relationships and strengthens a community and our democracy. It is about people’s desire to participate in society and to feel their work matters. The essence of volunteerism is the giving of oneself to help others.

Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association has held this egg hunt for decades as the organization moves toward 70 years of serving the borough. They are distinguished in Coplay with hundreds of volunteers from over the years, sponsoring and coordinating the annual Halloween parade, tree-lighting ceremony and indoor holiday program, assisting with Coplay Community Days, providing medical equipment for a homebound resident in need and more.