E Bunny seeks help filling Easter baskets

Last year, 1,160 needy children received gifts

The Easter Bunny is sending out the word -- She needs help.

For the past 18 years, the E Bunny has delivered pre-filled Easter baskets to needy children in the community. Last year, she gave away 1,160 cellophane-covered baskets so that such youngsters could enjoy the holiday.

"It's amazing how many children there are in this community who need our help," said Barbara Kenig, whose alter ego is the E Bunny.

This Easter Bunny uses a modern way to reach people -- e-mails, hence her moniker, the E Bunny. Those e-mails have reached businesses across America, such as the likes of TY Inc., Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, and 99 Cents Only Stores, which have helped through the years.

Last year, 300 pre-filled Easter baskets were donated by WonderTreats of Los Angeles, and shipping was paid for by World Wide Candy Consultants of Las Vegas. Other Las Vegas companies and entities, like Veolia Transportation, Payroll Solutions, and the Nevada State College School of Nursing, collected hundreds of baskets from management and employees to hand out to children. More than 60 volunteers join forces to make the effort successful each year.

Kenig relies on individuals to donate already-filled Easter baskets or the contents that go into them. Stores typically sell pre-filled baskets for $7 to $15. Also needed are individually wrapped candy, bubbles, Play-doh, and activity items, such as coloring books with crayons. Sports items and little stuffed animals are always welcome, as well.

The E Bunny was born 18 years ago, back when Kenig lived in Detroit and her son was 3. It started as a joke when he mistook her nickname -- Bunny -- and asked her if she was the Easter Bunny. She said, "Yes."

"Here I'd just told him I was the Easter Bunny, so I thought I'd better deliver," Kenig said.

That first year saw 25 Easter baskets delivered to a local charity. It became an annual tradition, one that grew bigger each year. It moved to Las Vegas when Kenig and her husband, Howard, relocated here in 1999.

Plenty of Las Vegans have jumped in to help. Each year, more than 40 nursing students from Nevada State College help assemble baskets.

"Last year, I couldn't even get in my office. Every possible space was taken up," said Jean Lindley, an instructor who oversees the students' efforts.

The E Bunny effort specifically targets groups and organizations that aren't sponsored by large charities or outreach programs, such as the Las Vegas City Mission, Family Promise and Straight From The Streets. The City Mission alone called to say it needed 300 baskets this year.

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission, 480 W. Bonanza Road, has clients who also have benefitted from the effort. The Easter baskets "provide children with a little bit of distraction from their current situation," said Ray Spears, director of the Las Vegas Rescue Mission's donor and volunteer services.

Easter comes early -- March 23 -- this year, so it's important to receive all donations in a timely manner, Kenig said. Besides donations, volunteers are needed to help collect baskets and deliver them the week of March 17.

Drop-off sites for donated items are 303 S. Water St., Suite 200, in Henderson, and Faith Community Lutheran Church, 2700 S. Town Center Drive, in Summerlin.

For more information, e-mail the E Bunny at barbarakenig@aol.com or call 498-9808.