The world is having to figure out the way to entertain younger family members during this time of quarantine for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Social distancing is a new way of life.
Mothers like Brandy Manuel of Kinder have been participating in what was first called a bear hunt, but is now a stuffed animal hunt. She said she first saw it posted on Facebook™. She decided it was something harmless and would be a great way to entertain her nine-year-old daughter.
Manuel asked the community to participate. She soon learned there were several friends and acquaintances in the area who were willing to help by putting stuffed animals like giraffes, bunnies and even lady bugs outside for the children to find as they drove by these designated homes.
Manuel decided to organize the entire thing by taking names and creating a list of where parents could find animals in Kinder, Oberlin and Leblanc. She even created a questionnaire for her daughter, so she could make it a little more educational. Her questions were:
•List the different kinds of animals they saw on their trip.
•Tell what color each animal was.
•What was their favorite animal?
•How many animals did you find?
She had heard that many, including her own daughter, were excited to begin a hunt.
“It’s something to do to get out the house,” she said. “It’s safe, and the community of Kinder has stepped up to the plate. They really did it big in the Columns Subdivision and Sunset Estates Subdivision.”
On Friday, she and her daughter hit the road to find their stuffed animals. She said, “My daughter loved seeing all the different kinds of animals. We still have not done all the locations yet. She has found over 100 stuffed animals. It was a great time all in all. We will continue to keep looking for as long as people leave them out.”
So neighbors, don’t move those stuffed animals too quickly from your windows or front porch. You have made someone’s day special by participating, and all the mothers and children want to thank you for helping to create this memorable moment for many families.
If you have not been on the hunt yet, here are some of the homes participating:
Kinder: The Daiquiri Shack, North Fourth St., Fifth Street, Sixth Street, 503 N. Seventh St., Wingfield 1, Wingfield 2, 342 N. Eighth St., 107 N. Ninth St., 12th St., 13th St., 14th St., 220 N. 16 St., 211 N. 17th St., Second Avenue, Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Park Road, 421 Neilson Road, 113 Whittington Dr., Columns Subdivision (going East on 190), Hwy 190 East (going towards Elton- several houses), Sunset Estates Sub (Sunrise, Moonlight, Sunset and Executive drives), Myrtle Street (pine acres), 157 Arrow Wood (pine acres), Magnolia Street (pine acres), 141 Long Leaf (pine acres), Little Mill Road and 175 Cherokee Road off Little Mill, Lakeview Loop (several houses), Hwy 383- close to Baptist Church, Corner of Sherman, Houston and Kinder Cemetery roads, 213 Old Pump Road, Green Oak Road, Kings Farm Road, 17318 Parish Line Road, Jessie Johnson Road and 190 Ezebe St.
LeBlanc: Methodist Camp Road (several houses), 2345 Martin Tram Road (take a left at the Leblanc Post Office and travel four miles down on the left) and Gill Road.
Oberlin: First St., Third St., Fourth St., Fifth St., Sixth St.., Fifth Avenue, 12th St., Mandy Lane, Mayor Carrier St., Garcille Road, Cottongin Road, Cole Road, Musselwhite Road, Joe Pete Ave., 157 Angela St., Crawfish Shack, 339 Reeds Bridge Road and 340 Reeds Bridge Road.
