Annual Youngstown/Porter Christmas Baskets program to begin

New chair named; program volunteers now sought

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Planning is now underway for the 2024 version of the Christmas Baskets of Youngstown/Porter, NY. The program serves those in need in the River Region community.

Organizers announced Youngstown resident Colleen Summerville was named the new chair of this all-volunteer group, with a number of co-chairs expected to assist in this annual campaign.

 “To help ensure local children and families in need have a very merry Christmas, more volunteers are needed and welcome,” Summerville said.

She noted the 2023 program benefitted 67 families, including 144 children in the community.

Summerville listed a number of ways where area organizations/businesses can assist with this effort:

•Make a cash donation for gift cards and children’s gifts. Make checks payable to the Youngstown Civic Guild and mail to 614 Second St., Youngstown, NY 14174.

•Donate gift cards from Tops, Wegmans, Aldi, Walmart or a local gas/convenience store. Those providing gift cards are asked to specify the monetary amount. Cards may be dropped off at the Village of Youngstown office or mailed to the address listed above.

•Be an angel and provide a gift or a gift card for a child. For more information or to join the angel list, contact Julie Grana at 716-622-4760 or email [email protected]. Those interested will be contacted in November.

•Youngstown/Porter-area businesses are also welcome to place a container on their premises to collect nonperishable food donations. The business food drive will take place from Wednesday, Nov. 20, to Wednesday, Dec. 18. For more information, contact Sue DeJospeh at 716-807-8875.

•Contribute to the Youngstown Boy Scout Troop 829 food drive on Sunday, Dec. 15. Residents are asked to place nonperishable foods in bags and leave them on their front porch or by their mailbox before 9 a.m. Dec. 15. Food donations may also be dropped off at village businesses or the Youngstown Free Library by Wednesday, Dec. 18, or they may be dropped off at the Youngstown Red Brick Village Center between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 16-18.

•Volunteer are asked to prepare gifts for delivery at the Red Brick Village Center gym. Volunteer times for gifts are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16-18, and from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, to package food. For more information, contact Grana at 716-622-4760.

•Volunteer to deliver baskets beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Village Center. For more information, contact Summerville at 716-531-6701.

Summerville said Youngstown-Porter-area families in need are welcome to call the Village of Youngstown office at 716-745-7721 by Dec. 1 and leave their contact information.

“We will return the call and register families for food and/or children’s gifts,” she said.