Easter is a season of renewal. It is about new beginnings, fresh starts, and the quiet promise that hope is never lost. This spring, the Gifted Angels team carried that message, celebrating Easter at Maryvale with the children in Rosemead, California, for our quarterly Easter celebration in April.
There were Easter baskets, an egg hunt, crafts, plenty of candy, and tons of surprise gifts for the children, but the heart of the day was simple: show up, be fully present, and make sure every single child walked away knowing they are seen, celebrated, and loved.
In This Article
Who Is Maryvale?
Maryvale is Los Angeles County’s oldest children’s charity, founded in 1856 by the Daughters of Charity. From its home campus in Rosemead, along with locations in Duarte and South El Monte, Maryvale serves children and families through early childhood education, mental health support, wraparound services, and housing.
This year Maryvale celebrates 170 years of caring for children and families across Los Angeles County. We are honored to play a small part in that legacy.
Our Partnership: Showing Up Again and Again
Gifted Angels began partnering with Maryvale in late 2025 (starting with our December Angel Tree initiative), and from the start we made one commitment: we would not show up once and disappear. Four times a year, our team returns to Maryvale with gifts, activities, and, most importantly, our presence.
For children who have lived through housing instability, family disruption, or crisis, consistency matters. A familiar face that comes back again and again sends a powerful message: you matter, and someone is rooting for you. That is what this partnership is built on.
“We live to spread smiles, to give hope, and to love on one another. Children deserve more than just that. They deserve happy experiences to remember forever.” Leanne Kenny, Founder, Gifted Angels
Easter at Maryvale: A Day Built Around the Kids
This Easter, we welcomed 10 children, ages 6 months to 9 years, for an afternoon of celebration. The day kicked off with a visit from the Easter Bunny and bunny ears for everyone, followed by an Easter egg hunt across the play yard, egg decorating, bunny ear crafts, and story time.
The younger children loved the Easter Bunny mascot and the egg hunt, while the older kids were all about the arts and crafts and the surprise gifts. Our volunteers were right there alongside them, cheering on the egg hunt, helping with crafts, and sitting down for one-on-one conversations.
A moment we will remember: The tears and the smiles of pure happiness. In that moment we knew we had made an impact, and a difference like that is unforgettable in itself.
What Every Child Took Home
Every child at Maryvale went home with an Easter basket filled with gifts of their own, treats, a plush bunny, books, art supplies, and age-appropriate toys.
We make sure every gift is equal in value, so no child is left out and every child feels just as celebrated as the next. It is a small detail, but to a child, it says everything.
Thank You to Our Volunteers and Donors
None of this happens without you. A heartfelt thank you to our nine volunteers who gave their time and energy, and to every donor who contributed funds or shopped our Amazon Charity Wishlist.
Because 100% of proceeds go directly to our quarterly initiatives, every dollar you gave became something a child at Maryvale could hold in their hands: a basket, a treat, a toy, or a book.
Join Us for the Next Celebration
Our partnership with Maryvale continues every quarter, and there is a place for you in it. Here is how you can help:
- Donate: 100% of proceeds go directly to the children of Maryvale. Donate today.
- Shop our wishlist: Send items straight to our team through our Amazon Charity Wishlist.
- Volunteer: Join us at our next event at Maryvale. Become a volunteer.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
This Easter, we got to share a little of that hope. Thank you for helping us show up for the children of Maryvale, not just once, but again and again.
Keep Reading
- Hoppy Easter, Big Hearts: Our 2026 Easter Initiative at Maryvale Orphanage
- December Donation Drive & Angel Tree Initiative Supporting Children and Mothers at Maryvale
- How the 100% Proceeds Donated Model Works: Why It Matters for Charitable Giving
- How to Help Foster Kids During the Holidays: 9 Meaningful Ways
