Families from New York City Homeless Services were feted on Saturday at the Annual Easter Party hosted by the Family Life Committee at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn.

“The party was a real treat, the decorations were festive, the food was delicious, and the activities kept everyone entertained – a truly ‘egg-cellent’ celebration,” Committee Chairperson Marlene Ferguson, a Trinidadian-born retired registered nurse, told Caribbean Life afterward.

“As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary of this mission in the community, we have been blessed abundantly with support from our congregation, friends of Fenimore, local community associations, and sponsors,” she added.

Ferguson said Nataly Wilson, a Grenadian national and FSUMC member, played the “Easter Bunny.”

“This was the highlight of the event as everyone took turns smiling for that candid moment for a picture with the Easter Bunny,“ said Ferguson, adding that “the kids loved the games with prizes, and, most of all, everyone was a winner.”

A registered nurse, Wilson told Caribbean Life that “working with kids is always a pleasure.

“I love their individualized personalities, antics, thought processes, and their understanding and interpretation of life,“ she added. “When kids are happy, I am happy.”

Ferguson said the adults also participated in the games and received gift cards for their prizes.

“They were truly a unique group who repeatedly expressed their gratitude for such an enjoyable day and how well they were received by the church family,“ she said.

“Our DJ (Cheyenne Jack, another church member, whose parents hail from Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) was superb,“ Ferguson added. “She kept the music upbeat for the kids, and the adults were treated with ‘classic oldies rhythm,’ which had them grooving to the music.

“It was a perfect way to celebrate Easter with family, friends, and, most of all, those who are less fortunate than us,“ she continued. 

Ferguson said the grand finale of the party was the distribution of Easter Baskets.

“We had baskets in abundance, and everyone received a basket,“ she said. “We also acknowledged the kids who celebrated their birthday – January through April. These children received a second basket stuffed with a fluffy Easter Bunny.”

Ferguson said clients who could not attend the celebration because of transportation issues were not left out.

“They were not forgotten; we prepared their lunches and Easter Baskets and sent them to their facility for distribution to the children,“ she said.

Ferguson expressed her “sincere gratitude“ to the young adults at FSUMC, “who took time from their busy schedule to attend and assist with shopping, decorations, and donations.

“They are dedicated, committed, focused, generous, and showing us [that] they are ready to lead the next generation,“ she said. “I will support them in every way, listen to them, and make way for them to lead.

“We love them unconditionally,“ she added.

Ferguson also thanked the church’s pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, the First Lady, Sis. Kim Jackson, and officers and members of the church “who continue to support this mission.

“I’m already looking forward to 2026,“ she said.