Big Mama prepares for Easter giveaways

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- South Florida's most giving philanthropist needs the community's help to make this Easter a happy one.

Essie "Big Mama" Reed can't do it without the help of her community. Big Mama and her cheerful crew of volunteers unloaded baskets for Easter on Thursday.

She has received baskets put together by forth graders from St. Gregory's School and baskets donated by American Express in Weston. "In this basket here they have a bracelet set, which is awesome," said Big Mama.

People have also donated clothes, pajamas and toys. "Here is a beautiful pair of pants, slightly worn, and we also have a case with it to put their lunch in," said Big Mama.

But she still needs help to reach her goal. "We've done it, we've done it before, and we can do it again," she said.

Big Mama wants and needs to make this Easter holiday special for thousands of children in South Florida. Her goal this year is to hand out 20,000 Easter baskets to kids from up north in West Palm Beach, to down south in Florida City.

She is asking for people to donate clothing, pajamas, shoes, diapers, bottles, car seats and of course, a toy or two and some candy. "Our goal is to give each community 1,000 baskets, so we are asking the public to step it up and help us make it happen in your community," said Big Mama.

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