(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) The Salvation Army administers a number of year-round holiday assistance programs. Families can get help for Christmas, Thanksgiving and even Easter. Dickinson County Salvation Army Director Tara Blagec, left, and case manager Jennifer Witte pack Easter baskets for area children, veterans and elderly that will be delivered next week.

KINGSFORD — The Salvation Army Bread of Life Assistance Center of Dickinson County once again will spread some early Easter cheer.

The charitable organization plans to deliver baskets filled with goodies in the area next week.

“Children that are selected are from our Pathway of Hope or Christmas programs,” Director Tara Blagec said. “We just want to give them something extra special.”

In addition to the many sweet treats and fun surprises in the baskets, the children will get egg-dying kits along with “fake” eggs.

“Each basket is prepared to fit each child’s age,” Blagec said. “We will also have planned baskets for the ‘little ones’ that will include things appropriate for them, like baby food, bibs, teething toys and little stuffed toys.”

In addition to the 100 children’s baskets, they will deliver 30 baskets to veteran and elderly clients they serve.

The Salvation Army received donations specifically for these baskets. “We had a local Mary Kay consultant approached local businesses to sponsor products to purchase for these clients’ baskets,” Blagec said. “Each skin care product has a sticker with the name of the business that donated to purchase that item.”

Several of their struggling veterans and elderly clients don’t have anybody else, case manager Jennifer Witte added. “We go there and they say, ‘You’re the only person we have contact with,'” Witte said. “It’s very humbling.”

The seniors will also receive ham with all the fixings for an Easter dinner.

“We hope we can put a smile on everyone’s face,” Blagec said.

Blagec also noted they are offering a diaper and wipe program. Those who are going through financial issues right now and have children 36 months or younger in their home could receive one pack of diapers and wipes per child, per week.

“We want to let the community know we are here if you need assistance,” Witte said.

For more information about the Salvation Army programs, call 906-779-5717.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.