Salvation Army Director Tara Coss said the interactive event is designed to get families outdoors and engaged.

Children ages 12 and younger are encouraged to keep watch for colorful eggs hidden throughout the area. Each egg contains a surprise, with some holding a special ticket that reads, “Congratulations, you’re a winner,” that can be redeemed for prizes, Coss said.

Children who find winning tickets may choose their own prize, including a large selection of toys including bicycles, scooters, tents, rollerskates and more. They can also select from a variety of filled Easter baskets.

“Nerf toys has been a popular with the boys so far,” she said, adding that many of the prizes were made possible by community donations.

Some of the prizes available at the Dickinson County Salvation Army office for children who find an “Egg Hunt for Hope” winning ticket. Large items include bicycles, scooters, tents, roller skates and filled large Easter baskets. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

Winning tickets can be turned in at the Salvation Army office, 145 Roseland St. in Kingsford, during regular business hours. All winning eggs must be redeemed by Thursday, April 2.

“The kids that have already come in have been so excited,” she said. “It’s great to see their reactions and smiles when we tell them they can pick anything they want.”

To ensure fairness, families are asked to be mindful during the hunt. Parents are encouraged to let children enjoy finding eggs while leaving some behind for others to discover.

“Initially, we didn’t mind a child winning multiple times; however, this is already creating an immediate depletion of eggs without giving all children a chance to enjoy the excitement of finding a winning egg,” Coss said. “This helps to give every child a fair chance.”

Hints about egg locations will be shared on the Dickinson County Salvation Army Facebook page.

Plastic eggs have been placed in a variety of public spaces, including areas that promote reading and recreation.

The event, which began Tuesday, has already produced heartwarming moments.

“Yesterday we had two brothers who both discovered winning tickets eggs, but one selflessly gave his to a young boy who looked disappointed so he could brighten that little guy’s day,” she said. “This is what it’s all about. Because of his good deed, he was also rewarded.”

Coss said the idea behind the event was to provide a flexible, family-friendly activity leading up to Easter while not having to rely on the weather.

The name of the holiday initiative ties into the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program, which provides services for households with children younger than 18.

“We thought it was a good way for parents to do something fun with their kids,” she said. “We decided to hide eggs throughout the community over an extended period of time rather than limit it to a single day.”

As the hunt continues, Coss and Case Manager Jennifer Witte will keep distributing eggs throughout the community.

“There are still plenty of eggs waiting to be found — so keep your eyes open,” Coss said. “We hope everyone has fun with this new event. We are already planning to bring it back next year.”

The charitable organization is also distributing special Easter baskets to local veterans, made possible through designated donations.

“Just to see the smiles on their faces means so much,” Coss said.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.