Easter egg hunts across the nation are canceled due to COVID-19, but Margaret and Monica Francois didn't want that to happen in Belleville.

"A few weeks ago, we heard about the Happy Heart Hunt and realized that our family had a great corner on Main Street to hang hearts for kids to check out while on walks," said Monica. "In March, while we were hanging up the hearts, Margaret made a comment that we'd have to think of something fun to do for Easter."

"While I was throwing out ideas on how to decorate and make the eggs, Monica was busy organizing a way to collect names and working out the logistics," laughed Margaret.

A week later, she posted, "Hey ya'll! Monica and I are working on a fun Easter Egg Name Hunt for our beautiful village. Submit your child's/children's names on this form. Starting on April 6, take a walk downtown and search the windows for his or her name. Please share."

With help from members of the Community Club and others, the idea spread.

"They say it takes a village to raise a child, right?" asked Monica. "Well, this village certainly played a large role in our childhood and it felt like a great way to safety allow kids the joys of an Easter tradition."

Besides their family's business, other businesses offered their windows for the Easter Egg Hunt.

"The business owners loved the idea," said Monica. "There was no hesitation when we asked. Obviously, with everything going on, safety was main priority and each business was great at either setting up a drop off time or unlocking the door and allowing us to decorate. We could not have done this without their cooperation: Main Street Salon, J&M Bar, Lingonberry Llama, Whitney's Academy of Dance, Belleville Embroidery, GL Rehabilitation Services, Corner Cafe, The Station/Citgo, and the Belleville Police Department."

Margaret added, "Most of the businesses are still operating in some capacity. Please follow them on Facebook and support local when you can!"

The sisters have made 302 eggs with names on them.

"We didn't keep track of the eggs we made as fillers that don't have names, but we probably made at least 125 of those," added Monica.

"While this activity focuses on the children in the community, we hope that in some way it can bring everyone some sort of joy," added Margaret. "From having a few more friendly faces to wave to on a walk or recognizing your neighbor's name on an egg, we hope that people are able to find joy during such a trying time."

Marian Viney

The sisters said that as much as this project was for the kids, it was also for them.

"We needed a project to keep us busy while social distancing," added Margaret.

The eggs will be in the windows until April 15. Please practice social distancing while looking at the eggs.

It takes a village. Thank you, Margaret and Monica, the businesses, and the participants.