A Manatee County woman is making sure hundreds of children have a good Easter weekend.

Lee Hardy has been making Easter baskets for years to help the Easter bunny visit those who need it most.

“Whoever needs a basket, whoever is in need, and they call me and ask if they can get a couple of baskets and I say sure,” said Hardy.

Hardy puts all of the baskets together all by herself at her Palmetto home with candy and toys that she collects all year long.

Some of the items are donated while the rest she buys herself.

“Just to give back to the community and something I love doing,” said Hardy.

Hardy has been donating baskets for 8 years now. She started out with giving away 100, but now she’s up to around 500.

“Some of them would not have an Easter if it were not for her,” said Shirley McArthur.

McArthur picks up baskets to give out every year. She said Hardy is making a big difference in the community.

“I think it’s phenomenal,” said McArthur.  “It’s an awesome thing she’s been doing for years.  She’s a blessing to a lot of children in our community.”

Hardy said it’s a donation she’s happy to do.

In fact, she said giving out the Easter baskets year after year has led to a new name.

“Since I started doing Easter baskets, they started calling me the Easter lady,” said Hardy.  “It’s so funny.”

Hardy donates the baskets to children at daycares, churches, neighbors, and friends.

She said she hopes to give out more in the future.

She’s now looking for a larger space to put everything together and is also always looking for donations.