SALEM — The Brightside Project’s annual Bright Christmas Toy Drives are underway at locations across Columbiana County.

Local nonprofit the Brightside Project is “calling on our community to help bring hope, joy, and holiday magic to local children this season” ahead of its annual Bright Christmas event Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. Brightside is inviting residents to drop off new unwrapped toys at any of more than 25 businesses, churches and community organizations around the county which have partnered with Brightside as toy collection sites “to help ensure that every child in our community has a bright and meaningful holiday season.”

Toys can be dropped off at any of the following locations in Salem: the Brightside Project, Fresh Mark, Sherwin-Williams Paint Store, Summit Federal Credit Union, First Friends Church, First Christian Church, Jessie’s Closet Boutique, Hunt Valve Company, Salem Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Oasis Indoor Golf & Sports Bar, Grizzly Bean Coffee House, Stratton Chevrolet, Starbucks, Farmer’s Bank and Consumer’s Bank.

Toys can also be dropped off at the Farmer’s Bank locations in Columbiana, Damascus, Lisbon, East Liverpool, and Calcutta; the Consumer’s Bank locations in Lisbon and Calcutta; the Dollar General locations on state Route 172 in Lisbon; and Pennex in Leetonia.

Those interested in supporting Bright Christmas can also shop Brightside’s Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/bDd1y0i.

“The Brightside Project is deeply grateful for the generosity of the community and the dedication of our partners who make this event possible. Together, we can ensure that every child receives not only a gift, but also a reminder that they are valued, supported, and loved — especially during the holiday season,” the organization said in a written release.

Each year Bright Christmas sees children ages 3 to 18 living in Columbiana County and rural Mahoning County in need “wrapped in love and support through the giving of gifts, access to food, and the joy of a festive, family-friendly atmosphere” and like all Brightside programs, all items are chosen by the kids themselves. The event will also feature special holiday guests Mr. and Mrs. Claus “on-site to help create an unforgettable Christmas experience.”

For information, contact The Brightside Project by phone at 234-320-4005, or visit their website at www.brightsideprojectohio.org or their social media channels.