Angels Needed To Make Easter Baskets For Ronald McDonald House

By Cassie Hepler

Vince Motto, a local paralegal by day, has been playing the part of Easter bunny at night for a long time.
For over 10 years, he has been hand crafting Easter baskets with his daughter Nicole Motto for the children at St. Christopher’s Hospital Oncology Division.

FROM LEFT, Angel Zuccaro, from Flavors & Favors on East Passyunk, Vince Motto and daughter Nicole Motto are surrounded by Easter baskets for the children at St. Christopher’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

“The hospital’s oncology department asked me to start doing it for kids with cancer,” said Vince. “The kids went wild over them. It was phenomenal.”
He and his daughter started out by making about 12-15 Easter baskets about 10 years ago for St. Christopher’s.
Now the number has climbed to 75-80 baskets for 2015 because Ronald McDonald House has reached out and asked for them as well.
“We use traditional contents like jelly beans, Easter eggs, etc. in the beginning,” said Vince. “But now they have big stuffed animals, novelty items and more. They’ve gotten bigger and more elaborate over the years.”

EASTER baskets made by Angel Zuccaro, from Flavors & Favors on East Passyunk, for the children at St. Christopher’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

Another one of his Easter basket angels who helps make baskets is literally named Angel.
Angel Zuccaro, from Flavors & Favors on East Passyunk, makes about 25-30 baskets a year for the father-daughter duo.
“Now that the Ronald McDonald House is involved, I need additional baskets which means additional help,” said Vince.
If you don’t have the time to make a basket, Angel can always craft some for you at her store.
However, handmade baskets are also encouraged as long as they are plastic wrapped (like in the photograph).
Groups such as The Car Club wants to donate some baskets they will make themselves.
“With your help, I just might be able to make sure each and every child gets a basket,” said Vince.
The plan is to have the baskets done by March 20 for Easter delivery on April 5.
Please call Vince Motto at 215-900-3881 for more information.

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