Easter brings surprises to local pediatric and rehab patients, senior citizens

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Easter holiday has brought out the giving spirit, including surprising pediatric patients at Doctors Hospital and seniors in the Aiken Meals-on-Wheels program.

On Friday morning, the Easter Bunny hopped into the Pediatric Unit at Doctors Hospital to spread some cheer to their tiniest burn patients.

Two patients, Jai’Don and London, lit up when they saw the bunny. Both patients are doing well and on their way to recovery.

London says, “I’m so appreciative that the Easter Bunny came by to see us, I haven’t seen him in so long.”

Jai'Don and the Easter Bunny(Doctor's Hospital)

Jai’Don’s mother says, “Jai’Don is doing great and we are very appreciative to the staff for his care.”

Doctors Hospital is home to the largest Burn Center in the United States, treating thousands of patients annually.

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Meanwhile, senior citizens who are part of the Meals-on-Wheels program in Aiken County received Easter baskets, donated to the United Way’s Be-A-Bunny program.

SRP Federal Credit Union staff collected 81 baskets this year, breaking the record number for the program.

Staff member, Patti McGrath, says, “I love this program because I feel many elderly need a little extra help and are sometimes forgotten by society. I buy baskets early, then try to fill them with as many items as possible that I think the seniors may be need and enjoy. I think I’m happier being able to do this for someone than the person who actually gets it. Nothing makes you feel better than knowing you’ve helped someone.”

Baskets were filled with items such as bath toiletries and supplies, nonperishable food supplies, first aid items, tissues, flashlights, nightlights, and more.

Quote from Yvonne Meeks, Community Development Representative, and Coordinator of the Be-A-Bunny Basket program, says,”SRP has been part of the Be-A-Bunny program with the United Way of Aiken County since its inception. Our staff has always been very generous. You can look at the baskets they bring and see they are made with love as they are filled with so many treats and necessities for the seniors.”

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SRP Federal Credit Union in Barnwell collected items to create Bunny Cups to deliver to residents at the Pruitt Healthcare Residential and Rehabilitation Center.

Each cup contained lotions, chocolate candy, a plush bunny, and an Easter egg stress ball for the forty-four people who reside there and the patients at the facility for rehabilitation purposes.

The treats were delivered by staff Victoria Gunnells, Rachael Neece, and Angela Cotton. The staff enjoyed their time visiting with everyone in the center as they made their Easter deliveries.

Team at the Barnwell SRP Federal Credit Union collected items to create “bunny cups”... — Team at the Barnwell SRP Federal Credit Union collected items to create “bunny cups” to deliver to residents at the Pruitt Healthcare Residential and Rehabilitation Center.(SRP Federal Credit Union)

Eric Jenkins, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union, says, “Our staff volunteers regularly, participating in community outreach programs and when donations are requested they generously give. They truly care about the people in our community and reaching a record high number of baskets for our senior citizens in need reflects this.”