Helicopter drops 10,000 colorful Easter eggs over the University of the Virgin Islands golf course as children eagerly wait to collect them during Impacting Your World Christian Ministries’ sixth annual Easter egg hunt. Photo Credit: IYWCM
The University of the Virgin Islands golf course was filled with laughter, excitement, and bright Easter spirit on Saturday as Impacting Your World Christian Ministries (IYWCM) hosted its sixth annual Easter helicopter egg drop hunt, drawing over 1,000 participants, including 850 registered attendees.
At the heart of the event was a thrilling helicopter egg drop, during which 10,000 colorful eggs rained down onto the field from above. Once the helicopter departed, children aged 0 to 12 joyfully dashed across the grass to collect eggs, each filled with candy and Bible verses meant to uplift and inspire.
Families enjoyed a variety of community-friendly activities, including face painting, hula hoops, tug-of-war, bubbles, music, food, and a visit from the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Adding an educational element, the Department of Education handed out more than 500 books to children in attendance.
Family and friends gather for a photo at the UVI golf course during the sixth annual Easter helicopter egg drop hosted by IYWCM. (Credit: IYWCM)
Rev. Dr. Gerald McDonald, Senior Pastor of IYWCM, emphasized the spiritual purpose behind the gathering. “I was truly touched by the success of this event. The heart of our gathering lies in sharing the love of Christ with the children and their families,” he said. “I had the privilege of sharing a meaningful message about the eggs, explaining how breaking an egg symbolizes new birth and new life—just as the Easter message teaches us. Many participants responded with open hearts, and we witnessed numerous individuals raising their hands to accept Christ as their Savior.”
Dr. Sharon McDonald reflected on the joy and spiritual impact of the celebration. “I am immensely thankful to God for an amazing time spent with the children and their families—from toddlers to grandparents,” she said. “It was a true blessing to witness the smiles on the children’s faces, and the pure joy shared by everyone who attended. We are truly grateful for those who committed their hearts to God.”
A big, heartfelt thank you was extended to Christopher McDonald, the dedicated members of Impacting Your World Ministries, and the volunteers whose efforts made the event possible. The ministry also recognized the support of the University of the Virgin Islands, event sponsors, and community partners who helped bring the day to life.
Among the many voices celebrating the event’s success was Pawan Dodlani, who called the day “a terrific event that brought the community together.” He added, “Having many different activities of face painting, bubbles, music, games, and [the] grand finale of 10,000 Easter eggs being dropped from a helicopter—it was wonderful seeing the happiness on every kid’s face in attendance. It was a great day of harmony and joy for the community.”
Dr. Stefan Jürgen, Superintendent of Schools for the St. Thomas/St. John District, also offered high praise for the initiative. “As Superintendent of Schools, I am extremely pleased to have been invited to partner with Impacting Your World Christian Ministries for the return of the highly anticipated and well attended Helicopter Easter Egg Drop & Hunt, under the leadership of Pastor McDonald, his family and church family,” he said.
Dr. Jürgen described the joyful experience of seeing families move through activity stations, from tug-of-war and face painting to fire truck tours and book giveaways, before racing to collect the eggs. “It was just a wholesome activity for families,” he said. “Kudos to the large number of dads that were present and engaged with their children.”
“On behalf of the VIDE—especially the St. Thomas/St. John District—we extend kudos to the organizers for setting the stage to sponsor such a child-centered, comfortable environment for children to run, jump, laugh, play, and have loads of fun. Thanks again, and we look forward to participating next year.”
Of course, the signature helicopter egg drop wouldn’t have been possible without Caribbean Buzz Helicopters, whose aircraft rained down thousands of eggs onto the field. Nicolas, representing the company, said, “It was a joy to support this year’s Easter Egg Hunt by donating the use of the helicopter for the egg drop. Seeing over 10,000 eggs rain down from the sky and witnessing the excitement and smiles from the children and families was truly heartwarming. We’re honored to have played a small part in such a meaningful and fun community event.”
