By NICOLE LOGGINS / Staff Writer

VANDIVER – The Vandiver Church of God is hosting its first Great Easter Egg Drop on March 31.

The church plans to drop more than 10,000 Easter eggs filled with candy from a helicopter. Children under 12 are encouraged to attend.

“This will be a great opportunity for us to reach out to our community through our actions, hard work and words,” said Bonnie Meacham, a Vandiver Church of God member.

Inflatables, face painting, balloons, snacks, drinks and prizes will be provided. The free event begins at 10 a.m. and will be held across the street from the church on the new church property. The church expects at least 500 people to attend the event.

Don Brown, a member of the Vandiver Church of God, is responsible for organizing the helicopter drop.

“This is the first time we’ve done it and it’s really caught on with Birmingham churches and been successful for them,” Brown said. “So we thought it would be a good thing for this community.”

Children will be able to watch the eggs being dropped from the helicopter before the hunt begins.

“It’s kind of like a little air show,” Brown said.