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Making for a ‘Bright Christmas!’

Volunteer Nicole Stoffer of Beloit helps 10-year-old Symra Knight, a student at Salem Southeast School, select a nice, big plushie.
Six-year-old Avianna Taylor of Lisbon made friends with Mrs. Claus.
A mascot photo op for, kneeling, 14-year-old Emma Grey; back, from left, 13-year-old Jersey Bett, 13-year-old Jordyn Adams and 9-year-old Brylee McDole. The youngsters are from Lisbon.
While her 10-year-old brother Andree holds her, fidgety 1-year-old Myla Zanders has a “chat” with Santa Claus. The children are from East Liverpool. The southern portion of Columbiana County is widely served by The Brightside Project.

The Brightside Project held its 2025 “Bright Christmas” Saturday at its location on North Ellsworth Avenue facility in Salem. Over 700 children, accompanied by parents and guardians, were able to choose gifts on their own from among the hundreds of donated items and other items purchased via monetary donations. Dozens of area businesses, community groups and individuals help the non-profit throughout the year in serving needs of county and area children. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted children who were also provided a bag of snacks and food items to take home. According to the organization’s site, 19.2 percent of children under 18 live in poverty in Columbiana County. Top photo, a shy 5-year-old Rorilynn Illig of Leetonia confides her wish list to Santa Claus. (Photos by J.D. Creer)

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