Little Hands, Big Hearts: How Children Are Spreading Joy Through Alleluia Baskets
When children lead with love, incredible things can happen. Sometimes, it starts with a simple idea: a birthday party, a trivia event, or a child’s wish to make others smile on Easter. At Alleluia Baskets, we’ve been inspired by the way children in our community are stepping forward to share love and hope through their own creative acts of giving.
This past month, two remarkable events - Luke’s Mission for Alleluia Baskets Trivia Event and Felicity’s second birthday celebration - showcased the beautiful ways children are helping Alleluia Baskets bring hope, joy, and faith to families throughout our community.
Their stories remind us that compassion starts early, and that when children lead with kindness, entire communities are inspired to follow.
Luke’s Mission: A Trivia Afternoon Filled With Heart
For anyone who has met Luke, it’s clear that his enthusiasm is contagious. What began as a simple idea , to host a fun afternoon in support of Alleluia Baskets , has grown into one of our most joyful annual events. This year’s Luke’s Mission for Alleluia Baskets Trivia Event was nothing short of spectacular.
The energy in the room was electric. Nearly every table was sold, filling the space with laughter, friendly competition, and a sense of shared purpose. Children danced between trivia rounds, their joy setting the tone for the night. When the beloved Alleluia Baskets Bunny made an appearance and joined in the dancing, the room erupted with cheers ; a perfect reminder that giving back can be pure fun.
Luke, ever the showman, took the microphone and delivered trivia questions with his signature humor and charm. His comical timing and cheerful personality had everyone smiling from start to finish. The event’s success wasn’t just measured in laughter, though, it was seen in every detail Luke planned and executed with his family and friends.
From colorful decorations to smooth setup and cleanup, Luke’s Mission truly was a team effort. The raffle baskets were another major highlight, featuring everything from large stuffed dogs to Texas Roadhouse dinners, arts and crafts kits, and surprise bundles. Each basket overflowed with raffle tickets; proof of how excited guests were to participate and give back.
Children and adults alike beamed as their numbers were called, and every winner left with both a prize and a deeper connection to Alleluia Baskets’ mission.
The food and refreshments, all donated by generous supporters, added to the community spirit. Guests enjoyed hot dogs, chips, and sweet treats, fueling the fun throughout the evening.
The afternoon wouldn’t have been complete without RJ Carter and Brendan Flerlage (pictured above), who kept the crowd energized as the event’s MC and DJ. Their enthusiasm and teamwork added a professional touch and kept the laughter and music flowing all night long.
One of the biggest hits of the afternoon? The 216 grab bags that sold out within just one hour! These bags, packed with surprises , were another of Luke’s creative ideas to make the evening special for kids and adults alike. (Luke and his parents, pictured below)
And just when the excitement couldn’t get any higher, Luke added one final touch: confetti tubes! Guests popped them at the start of the trivia game and again when the total funds raised were announced. It was a burst of color, joy, and celebration ; the perfect symbol of how one young person’s mission can bring so many together for good.
As the afternoon came to a close, Luke’s bright smile said it all. He greeted guests with gratitude, thanked volunteers, and already began dreaming up ideas for next year. His leadership and creativity continue to inspire everyone at Alleluia Baskets. (Luke and founder, Karen Mesler, pictured below)
Luke’s Mission is a reminder that one person , no matter their age , can make a lasting difference.
Felicity’s Safari : A Birthday Celebration with Purpose
While Luke was busy organizing his trivia night, another young heart was quietly making a big impact of her own. Two-year-old Felicity recently celebrated her second birthday at a local park, surrounded by family, friends, and safari-themed decorations. Instead of asking for gifts for herself, Felicity (with the help of her thoughtful parents) decided to turn her birthday into an opportunity to give back to the community.
In her party invitations, guests were asked that if they wished to bring a gift, they could instead bring a stuffed animal ; one that would later be donated to Alleluia Baskets. The result was heartwarming: dozens of soft, cuddly animals collected in celebration of Felicity’s special day, all destined to bring comfort and joy to children in need.
The night of her party she was filled with excitement after celebrating with family and loved ones. Her mother, Deanna, shared that Felicity repeated the words, “Alleluia! Stuffies! Hosana in the highest!”. What a joyful and beautiful moment.
It’s not every day that you meet a two-year-old whose first instinct is to give rather than receive. Felicity’s generosity, though guided by her family, comes from a simple but profound place: the joy of sharing God’s love with others. Her story reminds us that kindness is learned through example ; and that parents, families, and communities have the power to shape the next generation of givers. (Felicity and friends; eager to drop off stuffed animals at Alleluia Baskets, pictured below)
Those plush animals found their way into Alleluia Baskets, where they’ll soon be part of the Easter joy shared with children throughout our region. Felicity personally delivered her donations alongside founder Karen Mesler, her mother, and a handful of their dear friends. Together, they filled the donation shelves with soft, cuddly toys and even bigger smiles. Each stuffed animal carries with it the love and generosity of a little girl who, even at just two years old, already understands that every act of giving makes a difference.
(Felicity helping to sort her donations with Founder , Karen Mesler, pictured above)
Inspiring a Generation of Givers
Children like Luke and Felicity are at the heart of what makes Alleluia Baskets special. Our mission has always been about more than baskets : it’s about community, compassion, and faith in action. Seeing young people take initiative reminds us that when kindness is modeled and celebrated, it becomes a lifelong habit.
Luke’s leadership and Felicity’s selflessness demonstrate that children don’t need to wait until they’re grown to make a difference. They’re already doing it : through creativity, generosity, and joyful hearts.
These moments are powerful reminders that our mission thrives when the whole community, from toddlers to teens to adults, comes together to share love in tangible ways.
How You Can Join in the Joy
Every year, Alleluia Baskets reaches more families because of supporters like you , people who believe that every child deserves to feel loved and celebrated.
If Luke’s Trivia Night made you smile, or Felicity’s story warmed your heart, consider joining their spirit of giving in one of these ways:
Donate: Every contribution helps us fill more baskets and reach more families.
Give in celebration: Follow Felicity’s example by donating in honor of a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion.
Volunteer: Help us assemble baskets: and bring a friend or child along to experience the joy of service firsthand.
Each act of kindness adds up, filling baskets and hearts with joy.
The Future Looks Bright
Thanks to young changemakers like Luke and Felicity, the future of Alleluia Baskets is brighter than ever. Their creativity, compassion, and commitment remind us that giving is not just something we do; it’s something we live.
As we look ahead to another year of service and celebration, we’re inspired by these two incredible children and all those who support our mission. Together, we’re building a legacy of generosity that will continue to grow, one basket and one child at a time.
Alleluia Baskets is grateful for every donor, volunteer, and supporter who helps us share the joy of Easter with families in need. To learn more about how you can contribute or get involved, visit alleluiabaskets.org or follow us on social media for updates, volunteer opportunities, and stories of joy.