Sanford, N.C. — Volunteers combined a giving spirit and donated candy to assemble Easter baskets Friday for children affected by last Saturday's storms.

When tornadoes and severe thunderstorms swept through Sanford, they left destruction at dozens of homes and businesses, including the Big Lots at 3000 S. Horner Blvd. But the baskets, candy, toys and gifts waiting inside the store won't go to waste. Managers donated two truck loads of goodies Friday to Project Easter Basket.

Volunteer Jenny Cox gave her time to ensure the Easter Bunny finds children on Sunday, even if they can't be at home. "They lost everything, so the biggest thing for us is to try to get these things out there to parents to make sure their kids have their Easter," she said.

By Friday afternoon, Project Easter Basket was no longer accepting donations. They had enough treats to pack thousands of baskets. Families can register requests for baskets on the group's Facebook page.

In Fayetteville, police officers and volunteers will deliver donated Easter baskets to children in the storm zone.