Columbiana Co.'s Brightside Project seeking help for toy drive before Dec. 16 event
The Brightside Project, a nonprofit organization that helps children in Columbiana County, will hold its 8th annual Bright Christmas event on Saturday, December 16th. But things are not as bright this year, and the organization is asking for help with this toy drive this year, saying donations are down.
"This has been a challenging year for so many families in our community. We saw more and more children attend our events this year. They're just in need of food, supplies and hope," says Lisa Vittorio, Co-Director of The Brightside Project.
"The additional financial stress of the holidays is hitting our families hard and even impacting our incoming toy donations this year. We're hoping the community will rally behind us in the homestretch leading into this year's event to help us make Christmas bright for our local children," Vittorio added.
Toy donations are needed for all ages, but there is an especially need for children ages 12 to 18 years.
Suggested items include gift cards in $10-$20 increments, plush blankets, art sets, sports items, tumblers/travel mugs, skateboards, headphones, earbuds, body wash sets, fragrance sets, wallets, and purses. Donations can be dropped off at the Salem facility located at 483 E. Pershing St., or through the Toy Drives hosted by thirteen partnering businesses and organizations throughout the community including:
- Summit Federal Credit Union, 1070 E. State St., Salem
- First Christian Church - Salem, 1151 E. 6th St., Salem
- Drayer Physical Therapy Institute - Salem, 2955 E. State St., Salem
- Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, 210 E. State St., Salem
- Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings, Ave., Salem
- Team Dawes - Fairway Independent Mortgage, 558 E. State St., Salem
- Stratton Chevrolet, 16050 OH-14, Beloit
- John Cockerill Industry North, 435 W. Wilson St., Salem
- Salem Visiting Angels: 1285 E. Pidgeon Rd., Salem
- Pennex: 1 Commerce Ave., Leetonia
- Columbiana County Municipal Courthouse, Saltwell Rd., Lisbon
- Jessie's Closet Boutique, 657 E. State Street Unit 1, Salem
- Meraki Beauty Parlor, 129 S. Broadway Ave., Salem
The 8th annual Bright Christmas event will take place from 10 am to 3 pm for children ages 3 to 18 years old in Columbiana County.
Last year, 689 children received toys through the program.
Toys can also be purchased from the Brightside Project Amazon Wish List and sent directly to The Brightside Proje
