Lynne Kelch, left, co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee of St. Anthony Parish in Bartonville, and committe member Cindy Barnett display "Bags of Easter Gladness" ready to be filled for residents of the Farmington Country Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as well as area shut-ins. (Provided photo)

BARTONVILLE — Taking a cue from the “Box of Joy” effort to provide Christmas gifts to children in developing countries, members of St. Anthony Parish here are filling “Bags of Easter Gladness” to share the joy of the Resurrection with people closer to home.

The bags — filled with items such as jigsaw puzzles, socks and slippers, or greeting cards — will be delivered to shut-in parishioners and the residents of Farmington Country Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The project is part of St. Anthony’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration and is being coordinated by the anniversary committee.

“It is modeled after the Cross Catholic Outreach ‘Box of Joy’ project that the parish participated in last Christmas,” said Father David Heinz, pastor. The parish provided the bags as well as a list of suggested items compiled by the care facility staff. The list also includes personal care products such as shampoo and deodorant, small stuffed animals, and adult coloring books and supplies.

Parishioners are to visit the residents and shut-ins prior to Easter and present their gift bags. Father Heinz said that April 13 — the Saturday before Holy Week — is a likely delivery date.