Local party supply company creates, donates 1,000 Easter baskets to communities

The owner of a party supply company is hoping to spread spring cheer to children in the New Bedford and Fall River communities.

Three years ago, Tristan Michael-Savage opened his distribution business, U.S. Party Company.

Like many other businesses, his production has been put on a bit of pause, so he decided to use the party supplies he has in his possession to create about 1,000 free Easter baskets for kids in the New Bedford and Fall River communities.

"We've had a lot of stuff in storage for a while and thought this would be a good way to give some of it away," said Michael-Savage.

He is calling this "Operation Easter Basket."

Since announcing it on social media, hundreds of parents in need have placed orders and others have stepped in to help. Several local businesses have donated products and financed for the project.

Once the baskets are filled, Savage and a group of volunteers will then sanitize them and drop them off outside of deserving homes.

"The reaction is kind of overwhelming," said Savage. "There's quote going around like, 'The Easter Bunny is in quarantine, but is that the real truth? No.' We're all going to celebrate Easter next week, maybe not how we usually would, but it's still Easter."

Michael-Savage said he knows a thing or two about throwing a party since his business revolves around it, he also knows how much this will mean to kids who haven't celebrated anything in a while.

"Our message is basically spreading joy, spreading the excitement of a child reaction when you can't really technically get out to the store," he said.

If you would like to donate or are in need of a basket, you can fill out the following form here.