SALEM, Ohio -
A community is working together with a local non-profit to make sure kids have a gift under the tree this year.

For many parents, or guardians buying toys like the ones donated in this collection box are a want, just not in the budget when there's worry about how to pay for rent, food, heat, and essentials.

Since the pandemic struck the struggle has multiplied with more people out of work. But the Brightside Project points out many businesses and agencies in Columbiana county and Salem are also stepping up working together to make Christmas for children and teens.

Scott Lewis, Executive Director of Brightside Project said, "For our bright Christmas we have had MAC Trailer step up, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, other businesses in Columbiana County as well."

At Myers Family Insurance there is a collection box for toys the owners son and daughter helped at prior Brightside events and will miss out this year since volunteers are limited due to the pandemic.

Ann Myers and her husband Jim also donate to help fund Brightside Project and its programs that help provide books, food, and toys.

"I was one of those kids, our family didn't have a lot of money and if it wasn't for the community and the church and those organizations we wouldn't have Christmas, we wouldn't have had food a lot of the times. The Brightside Project, being able to give to the kids and see their happiness is just amazing. It brings  such joy to see my kids helping other kids, so that's why I get involved in the project because I was that child and I know what it's like. The people at Brightside Project makes kids feel special," said Ann Myers.

Saturday December 19th from 9 in the morning to 4 pm, under a heated tent outside of the Brightside facility on South Broadway Avenue in Salem kids from 3 to 15 years old are invited to pick out a toy, receive books, a filled stocking, a snack to go and other items. They and their parents will also receive a bag of food.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation in Salem set up collection boxes and helps support Bright Christmas and Brightside programs.

William Dawes, Branch Manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation said, "We help because there are kids who don't get gifts for Christmas. They get the presents in the kids hands directly, and the look on the kids faces is all the reward we need."

Dawes added, "When some organizations stopped their mission during the pandemic Brightside Project stepped up and went into overdrive. Last year my daughter helped a girl pick out a toy, and you could see the girl's eyes light up, and you could just tell, as that child walked out with a gift, we made a difference, even if just for a moment that the child had a glimmer of hope, and that's what Brightside is about giving children hope for a better future."

Parents and guardians need to bring a photo ID to show they live in Columbiana County.

Adults and kids are asked to take pandemic precautions including wearing masks, and social distancing in family units. About 300 kids ages 3 to 15 are expected to take part in Bright Christmas. Brightside Projects thanks all businesses that donated, organizations that provided grants, and people who spent their money to donate toys and to share with families struggling.