Pittston American Legion holds Easter party for veterans’ kids

PITTSTON — For about 10 years, American Legion Post 477 in Pittston has been holding an Easter party open to the children and grandchildren of members. This year was no different.

Children were greeted with Kid’s Meals from Wendy’s, desserts and Easter baskets delivered to them by the Easter Bunny himself. After visiting the bunny, the kids headed outside for an egg hunt.

JoAnn Hunter, 65, of Pittston Township, was the main coordinator for the party.

“Wendy’s gave us a real good deal,” Hunter said. “And then I did all of the shopping and the cooking.”

Hunter said the response to the party has been great over the years, with this year’s party serving about 50 kids.

“They love it,” Hunter said. “They seem to really look forward to it.”

Fundraisers throughout the year help cover the costs for parties such as these. Promotion for the event is simple, with nothing more than a sign in the Legion to let veterans know to bring their children and grandchildren.

Hunter stressed she didn’t set the party up alone and received assistance from high school seniors, Susanne Brenner, 17, of Pittston, and Kayla Kuna, 18, of Pittston Township. Brenner said she’s excited to help out at the Legion.

“My dad is a member, so I just grew up with it,” she said. “And I just like volunteering.”

William J. Clarke, 70, of Falls, is the first vice commander of Post 477. Together with Hunter, he’s set up parties such as this one in the past, including the popular Christmas parties. However, Clarke emphasized that for this event, Hunter took control to make sure it got off the ground.

“She really deserves all the credit,” Clarke said.

When asked what he thinks the Easter party does for the community, Clarke responded it is “excellent” for all parties.

“We do it for the kids, and we do it for the vets,” Clarke said. “It’s great.”

Debbie Williams, 55, of Pittston, said she’s been bringing her grandchildren to the event for a few years now.

“We come every year,” Williams said. “They treat the kids very well.”

Her grandson, Michael Musloski, 6, of Pittston, shyly nodded in agreement while he worked on eating a potato chip roughly the size of his head.

Parents Joe and Sydney McDevitt, of West Pittston, brought their young children out to enjoy the party.

“(Sydney’s) father is a member of the Legion, and he told us there would be a great party,” Joe said. “It’s a great time so far.”

Landon Peck, 4, of Harding, rests his Easter glasses on his head while waiting for the Easter Bunny on Sunday at American Legion Post 477 in Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_ttl0410127legionparty-1.jpgLandon Peck, 4, of Harding, rests his Easter glasses on his head while waiting for the Easter Bunny on Sunday at American Legion Post 477 in Pittston. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Jacob Lanning, 8, of Port Griffith, gives the Easter Bunny a high-five before receiving his Easter basket.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_ttl041017legion-party-2.jpgJacob Lanning, 8, of Port Griffith, gives the Easter Bunny a high-five before receiving his Easter basket. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Rayna Peck, 7, of Harding, tries on her bunny glasses Sunday afternoon.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_ttl041017legion-party-3.jpgRayna Peck, 7, of Harding, tries on her bunny glasses Sunday afternoon. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Jude Flaherty, 3, of West Pittston, enjoys a cupcake as he watches for the bunny.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_ttl041017legion-party-4.jpgJude Flaherty, 3, of West Pittston, enjoys a cupcake as he watches for the bunny. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader