By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

NORTH SHELBY — A senior care facility in North Shelby is planning an Easter egg hunt for both children and those young at heart.

Sunshine Manor, located just off Valleydale Road, will host an intergenerational Easter egg hunt for children and seniors April 6 starting at 2 p.m.

Event organizer Martin Briggs said the Easter egg hunt will help seniors at the facility, most of whom suffer from dementia, brain trauma, Alzheimer’s or other memory issues. Having children around brings out the best in the seniors, he said.

“It really puts a smile on their faces,” he said. “They actually become better people because of the children.”

Briggs said he expects children to benefit as much as the seniors.

“It’s for the children to learn how to be with older adults, how to be with seniors and to be exposed to people that are different than them,” he said. “A lot of parents want to put the spirit of caring and giving in their children early. What better way to do that than to spend time with these seniors?”

This is the first year Sunshine Manor has hosted such an event. Briggs said at least five participants have already signed up, and he expects more to sign up next week.

“We’ll be happy if five people came, and we’ll be happy if we have more than that,” he said.

Briggs said he expects most children participating to be 10 years old and under, but older children can participate if wanted.

Door prizes and gifts will be given out during the event, which is free for participants.

Those interested in participating must sign up by Friday, March 30. To sign up, call Briggs at 972-8003 or email him at staff@bamasunshine.com.