As summer temperatures soared, Easter cheer made a return to Great Bend Saturday at the Central Kansas Dream Center, as the center hosted “Easter in August.”

CKDC Director Kimberly Becker said they decided to host the event, which was open to the public, now since Easter events were canceled earlier in the year due to COVID-19 lockdowns. She estimates the event brought in about 150 people.

“It’s just a way for people to get out and to have fun while still being able socially distance,” Becker said.

Among other things, the event featured music, games for children and adults alike, nail painting, face painting, and prize giveaways.

However, Becker said, the event was about more than just fun and games. It was also a chance to give help to struggling families.

As such, the Dream Center offered free outdoor lunch featuring grilled hot dogs and chips. The Dream Center also provided free haircuts and free school supplies for families having difficulty meeting those basic needs as they send kids back to school.

“We just wanted to give back to the community before school started,” Becker said.

During the event, the Dream Center also gave away food boxes to families in need, and opened their Kingdom Kloset, which includes household items. The giveaways at the event also included shoes, clothing and small appliances, all an effort to help struggling families.

“We wanted to do it to bless families during the time of COVID,” Becker said. “We wanted people to feel seen, and heard, and loved.”