Group seeks to keep commercialism out of Easter

A national organization that challenges consumerism is stopping short of declaring war on the Easter Bunny. Officials with Sioux City-based “Alternatives for Simple Living” are trying to re-focus attention on the Christian story behind the holiday, not hunts for chocolate & candy.Jerry Iverson is national coordinator for the non-profit group. He says families should meet & re-evaluate their priorities instead of going on a spend-frenzy to buy Easter baskets, candy, eggs and bunnies and then later, gorge themselves on big noontime meals.Iverson says the name Easter comes from the pagan celebration of the fertility goddess Istara. Alternatives for Simple Living has put out a list of tips for a simpler, more meaningful Easter. He says parents should focus on relationships with family, friends and God instead of being pressured into buying “stuff” for their kids.To learn more about the group, call 800-821-6153 or surf to: “www.simpleliving.org” on the World Wide Web.