The commemorative wooden Easter eggs were distributed to select health care centers throughout the country, since this year’s annual White House Easter Egg Roll was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is such an honor for Alcona Health Center to be selected by President Biden and the First Lady to be the recipient of these commemorative eggs,” AHC CEO Nancy Spencer said in a press release. “Our staff has done such an amazing job throughout this pandemic. It has not been easy for them, but each step of the way they have risen to the challenge. I am proud of our team and happy that they are being recognized for their work through this gift from the White House.”

One side of each egg reads “White House Easter Egg Roll 2021” with a bunny wearing a face mask, and the other side features the signatures of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

In the letter from the White House, Deputy Assistant to the President and Social Secretary Carlos E. Elizondo writes, “Your organization’s efforts are a testament to the hard work that needs to occur in order for our country to reopen safely. The health and wellbeing of Americans remain an utmost priority to the President and First Lady, and your efforts and dedication are truly appreciated.”

Alcona Health Center CEO Nancy Spencer poses with a basket of eggs from The White House.

In addition to handing out the eggs to staff and volunteers, the letter encourages distribution of the eggs to those who get vaccinated at Alcona Health Center locations.

“As COVID-19 cases are increasing again in the areas we serve, it can become difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Spencer added. “The hope that comes with people getting vaccinated and through kind gestures like this, whether from government leaders or community members, really makes a difference.”

AHC is a federally qualified health center with locations in seven counties. They serve over 30,000 patients on an annual basis and have been working with the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to get COVID-19 vaccines distributed to anyone in these rural communities who is eligible and wants the vaccine.

Above are close-up shots of the front and back sides of the commemorative wooden Easter eggs distributed — one featuring the words “White House Easter Egg Roll 2021” with a bunny wearing a face mask, and the other featuring signatures of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

Above are close-up shots of the front and back sides of the commemorative wooden Easter eggs distributed — one featuring the words “White House Easter Egg Roll 2021” with a bunny wearing a face mask, and the other featuring signatures of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.