Cranford Teen Will Hide Your Easter Eggs To Fund Adoption

CRANFORD, NJ - Those who are are looking to let someone else play Easter Bunny this year can do so by hiring a helper to assist and in doing so will help fund the adoption of two children from West Africa.

Sixteen-year-old Mary Johnstone is running the fundraiser to help older sister Elizabeth and brother-in-law Eric adopt two children from Ghana.

"They decided to adopt because we have three adopted brothers. We can’t imagine our family without them, so Elizabeth and Eric wanted to continue the family legacy of adoption," Johnstone said. "Eric and Elizabeth have not matched with the children yet, but they have applied to adopt siblings. We are so excited to meet them whenever they arrive."

According to Johnstone, the adoption will cost more than $60,000 so her "Egg My Yard" fundraiser is one of several happening.

"They are building a puzzle where people can sponsor pieces, having a 5K, and a 'Ghana Gala' event in April," Johnstone said. "Additionally, our other sister, Maddie, and her husband are dog sitting for Rover to earn extra cash for the adoption."

Johnstone is a second generation resident of Cranford, and as for the yard egging close to home, Johnston said this too is a family affair.

"I will be executing the Easter egg hunt alongside my younger brother, Emmitt. My Mom and Dad will be driving us to the different houses in Union County," Johnston said. "As for my other siblings, they will be helping stuff the eggs with candy. The difficulty of the egg hunt will be varied depending on the ages of the children."

Johnstone said the idea for this particular fundraiser came from an internet search.

"Most fundraisers are geared towards adults, so we were hoping to find something that would be suitable for me and my younger brother to do," Johnstone said. "When we came across the Egg my Yard idea, we were so excited. This is perfect for us."

The eggs can be hidden on Friday, April 19 or Saturday, April 20 and the pricing is as follows:

• $25 for 30 eggs
• $40 for 50 eggs
• $55 for 75 eggs
• $70 for 100 eggs

Johnstone said her family is willing to step up no matter how many orders come through.

"We can egg yards all over Union County. We are hoping from a lot of orders from Cranford. In terms of number of houses, the more the merrier," Johnstone said. "My other siblings can step in as back up if we need more drivers. Additionally, if people want to participate but don’t have children age appropriate for an egg hunt, they can sponsor an 'Egg my Yard,' and we will set up an egg hunt for a family who could use a little extra Easter joy."

To sign up for the "Egg My Yard" fundraiser follow the link here.

And for more information on the adoption, visit their website here.

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