Volunteers assemble hundreds of hope-filled baskets

A small army of volunteers gathered in Vacaville on Friday, transforming the main room of the Vacaville Veterans Hall into an assembly line of generosity, laughter and purpose.

Armed with brightly colored plastic Easter buckets, they moved from table to table, filling baskets with plastic grass, books, stuffed animals, crayons, toys and candy. The atmosphere was cheerful and busy, with volunteers chatting and laughing as they worked side by side.

But the mission behind the effort ran deeper than the festive supplies. The baskets were being filled with more than just toys and candy.

They were filled with hope.

The effort is part of the annual Baskets of Hope event, a grassroots, all-volunteer initiative serving children in need in Vacaville since 2002. Once completed, each basket is wrapped in plastic and tied with a bow before being distributed with the help of the Vacaville City Firefighters Charity Fund Inc.

Volunteers from across the community turned out, including members of the Fire Department, Rotary, Soroptimist International of Vacaville, and other local organizations. Together, they assembled about 350 baskets this year, each destined for a child between the ages of 2 and 10.

Since its founding, Baskets of Hope has provided anywhere from 350 to more than 1,000 baskets annually, relying entirely on donated supplies and financial contributions. Donations ensure the effort continues year after year.

For volunteers, the event can be as meaningful as it is fun.

Susie Anderson, who learned about the project through a friend at The Father’s House, said she didn’t hesitate to get involved.

“I love to volunteer,” she said. “It’s a good cause, and it’s giving something to the community and kids — and it is my heart to help. I’m all in.”

Local business owner Darlene Frankel of Bounty Books has supported the effort since the beginning, donating books for each basket.

“It’s a great cause,” she said. “I’m happy to donate books and do this.”

The event has been guided for two decades by organizers Shauna Manina and Vacaville Fire Capt. Steve Ellingson, who has watched it grow while maintaining its community-driven spirit.

Ellingson praised the turnout as volunteers got to work Friday.

“It’s great, and we appreciate everyone who turned out,” he said. “Let’s put together some cool baskets and put some smiles on kids’ faces.”

Manina reflected on the program’s longevity and the consistency of community support.

“We started this in 2002, and here we are 24 years later,” she said. “The volunteers have changed, but one thing has stayed consistent: the commitment of the community to help the children.”

That commitment, she added, speaks volumes about Vacaville itself.

“I’m grateful to live in a community that will do this type of thing,” Manina said. “We may have our differences, but we come together to make things happen.”

By the end of the day, hundreds of baskets sat ready for delivery — each one a small but meaningful reminder that someone cares.

© 2026 The Reporter, Vacaville, Calif.. Visit www.thereporter.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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