COVID-19 stopped the Northeast Illinois Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s annual Eggstravaganza this spring, but it sparked appreciation and support for the frontline workers at Evanston Hospital.

“When we were forced to cancel our egg hunt we knew that we wanted to salvage the event by paying it forward,” said Nick Roberts, Scout Executive/CEO of the Council. “We talked with our sponsors, Jelly Belly, CVS, and Sports Clips, about donating the prizes and giveaways to healthcare workers, and they agreed.”

A handful of Scouts recently gathered outside NorthShore Evanston Hospital to deliver Jelly Bellys, tissues, Gummy Bunnies, coupons for free and discounted haircuts, and handwritten thank-you notes to doctors, nurses and staff.

“The support and appreciation we’ve received from the community and the treats from the Scouts made us aware that we are not in this alone,” said Joan Casey, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Manager. “They warmed our stomachs and our hearts.”