An Easter treat for the less fortunate

Andrew Glazer

COSTA MESA -- Dozens stood in line -- some with wide eyes and smiles,

many others frozen in fear, clutching their mothers’ hands.

But traditions are traditions and each spring, children must meet and

greet the Easter Bunny.

“I’ve got to welcome them with open arms whether they like it or not,”

said Kathy Liotta, who played the role of Easter Bunny at the Someone

Cares Soup Kitchen on Friday.

Roughly 1,000 children and their parents came to pick up Easter baskets

and stuffed animals, pose for Polaroid photos with the Easter Bunny and

feast from a buffet of roasted ham, yams, potatoes, green beans and

salad. All of the food, toys and Easter baskets were donated by

Newport-Mesa businesses and individuals.

“We want everyone to feel special on days that they normally might not be

able to,” said George Neuruether, manager of the soup kitchen. “They

should eat and feel the same joy as other folks.”

Jade Deafon, 26, needed to persuade her husband, Dennis, to hug the

Easter Bunny.

“His mother said he was afraid when he was 2 years old,” she said. “I

want her to see him doing that now.”

The two have been homeless for nearly a year.

Jade, who towers over her husband, is nine months pregnant, has walking

pneumonia and looks ready to burst. The couple checked into a motel three

days ago. They’ll stay there until Jade gives birth.

She posed her bulging belly next to the Easter Bunny, whose snout and

whiskers by now were a bit off-center.

“Baby’s first photo!” she shouted.

Dennis Deafon, who left his family in Virginia six years ago, smiled.

“This reminds me a bit of home,” he said. “And sometimes I really miss it

there.”