Tradition of Care: Easter at Willett Children’s Hospital

This Easter, pediatric patients at Willett Children’s Hospital in Savannah, GA experienced a moment of joy and celebration, thanks to Northwest Exterminating’s Good Deed Team. Dozens of Northwest teammates gathered at the Team Support Center in Marietta, Ga., stuffing approximately 400 plastic eggs with stickers, miniature stuffed animals, and mini glow sticks. Some of the eggs were included in the 50 Easter Baskets the team collected to take to the hospital, others were used to organize an easter egg hunt for the children who were able to participate.

“The Easter baskets were given to inpatient children, usually covering an entire floor,” said Kristen Milligan, Good Deed Team Co-Director. “Some went to children in the ER and new admissions patients, and the pediatric ICU received window clings to ensure there was something for everyone.”

The partnership between Willett Children’s Hospital and Northwest has been going strong since 2018. An office manager suggested Northwest get involved after realizing the hospital had little support. After meeting with the hospital’s Family Services Director, it became clear there was a need—and Northwest teammates didn’t hesitate to act. That same day, they visited local stores to stock the hospital’s empty pantries, ensuring parents could have meals while staying by their child’s side. Ever since, teammates from across the Southeast have continued to come together to support the hospital around the annual holidays, like Christmas trees and decorations.

Eight years later, the Easter basket initiative remains a beloved tradition—one that reflects the heart of Northwest. It’s about more than baskets and eggs; it’s about bringing comfort, creating moments of joy, and reminding children and their families that they are not alone. What started as a simple act of service quickly grew. From decorating hospital rooms at Christmas to creating Easter baskets, teammates have continued to find ways to show up for these families year after year.