31-03-2025
‘Easter for Eli' 2nd annual cornhole tournament benefits children in hospitals
DUNCANSVILLE, Pa. (WTAJ) — On Sunday, 'Easter for Eli' hosted their second annual cornhole tournament to raise money for gifts baskets that will be delivered to children in the hospital.
The non-profit organization has been delivering baskets to children for 10 years. This will be their 11th.
Easter for Eli was founded in memory of Elias 'Eli' Garrett, a loving 3-year-old boy who lost his battle with Non-Hodgkin's T-cell Lymphoma in 2009. His sister, Kayleigh Garrett, was at the tournament and said it's special to be able to deliver some Easter joy with their dad.
'Just to bring awareness to all of the children that are in the hospital over the Easter holidays, but to their families as well. So I think to be a part of this, and it's bigger than what we are. And so to put the smiles and all those kids' faces really means a lot to me,' Kayleigh said.
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Eli's father, Martin, said they've delivered 78,000 Easter baskets and provided $68,000 in gift cards to families.
'We're continuing to grow, continue to share my son's joy and, you know, bring awareness that so many kids are in the hospital over one holiday. We deliver 10,000 baskets, and that's just a drop in the bucket to what's out there,' Martin said.
On Monday, Easter for Eli will start delivering baskets to ensure children receive them in time for the holiday. They plan to start in Pittsburgh and then make stops in Cleveland and Akron.
'It's always a great time to be able to actually go and see the children that we're helping, essentially. You know, we build up year after year. And so to keep this tradition going, it means a lot. And I hope it's around for all the years to come in the future,' Kayleigh said.
April 4 is the last day to donate baskets. If you want to donate, the organization requests that you purchase new items and not place any food in the baskets. You can find the list of donations needed here.
You can also donate online, using PayPal, Venmo, or their Amazon Wishlist.
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