CLEVELAND — Things are hopping at a Northeast Ohio senior living center where they helped the community get into the Easter holiday spirit.

Independence Living of Aurora welcomed families Saturday for a drive-through Easter egg hunt. 

That brought the Ferree family rolling onto the property. They brought their neighbors, the Patras twins, along for the hunt. 

“Put them in your bag and then when you finish the Easter Bunny is up there by the balloons, and then that’s where you’ll get your candy,” said Jada Coots, Independence Village of Aurora activities assistant. 

This wasn’t your typical Easter egg hunt. This one took some thinking. Each child was given a sheet of paper printed with a phrase. 

“So, this one says, ‘funny bunny,’” said Independence Village of Aurora Enrichment Director Carla Russell. “They’re gonna go around and find the big letters that match their phrase.”

These kids were up to the challenge. The facility planned for about 100 children to participate. 

“Need help, Mac?” asked Riley Patras, 9, helping 4-year-old Mackenzie Ferree put a plastic egg in her bag. “There’s a white one over there,” she pointed out.  

Riley’s twin sister, Taylor, ran ahead with Mackenzie’s big sister, Abbie. The 9-year-olds helped point out what was coming next. 

“Riley, do you have a ‘Y’ because there’s a ‘Y’ over there,” shouted Taylor. 

All the running had mom, Kim Ferree, running back to her car to keep up. 

“I think it’s a pretty neat idea,” she said. “I like how it’s set up so kids still get to run and collect the eggs and look for everything.”

The event was a way to welcome families to the property and keep the holiday activity alive during the pandemic. 

“We know that it’s been rough because of COVID and everything, and just thought this would be a good way to get the kids out and have a nice Easter tradition,” Coots said. 

“We have needed community,” Russell said. “The last year’s been so rough and the residents are loving watching the children. We love that inter-generational.”

Mary Lou Manning is one of those residents looking out the window to watch all the action outside. 

“Here comes more kids,” she said, “bigger ones.”

She said she’d watch until it was time for bingo to start. She didn’t want to miss her favorite activity.

Meanwhile, the Ferree/Patras team finished finding their eggs. 

“I have a lot of Easter eggs,” Mackenzie said. 

That meant it was time to meet the big bunny and celebrate their accomplishments with a photo and bag of treats.

“Thank you, Easter Bunny,” said Mackenzie, when she was handed all her prizes. 

The girls were proud of their accomplishments. 

“I just liked that we did this and we did it together,” Riley said. “I mean, I’m just happy because Mac’s happy and they’re (Abbie and Taylor are) happy.”