BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- "Today’s children are tomorrow's leaders." That's been the motto of the Children's Charity of Greater Binghamton since the beginning.
"We meet the unmet need in the community. We find ways that we can help them to make their lives as normal as possible," said James Worhach, Children's Charity of Greater Binghamton President.
However, with more than 33 percent of Binghamton children living in poverty, double the state's average, it can make it hard for families to celebrate around the holidays.
"When I was growing up, there were all sorts of events like this for kids, but unfortunately now there's not quite as many and maybe sometimes with parents working 2, 3, 4 jobs to make ends meet, they still might not have the resources to provide little extras," said Worhach.
With the largest Easter Egg Hunt in Broome County taking place Saturday, many children were given the hope the Children's Charity of Greater Binghamton say they've been seeking for years.
"There's a lot of families out there that struggle with poverty and this gives a good opportunity for kids that are less fortunate to be out and experience all the Easter traditions that are passed on from family to family to family."
Parents say not only is this a great opportunity for their children to have a great Easter weekend, but it's also a change for them to meet their neighbors and build stronger communities here in Binghamton.
"I think they should have more community gatherings like this. It gets the community together and kids to play with other children and adults to mingle and have fun.
"It was. You can meet up with your friends. I moved, so I couldn't meet with my friends that I didn't get to see for a while," said Gabriela Kwiatkowski, Binghamton resident.
Organizers say they hope events like these will let children know they can strive for whatever future they choose.
This was one of the most highly attended Easter Egg Hunts the Children's Charity of Greater Binghamton has ever hosted.