Trending
SALEM -- The David Tod Aerrl Charitable Trust has awarded the Brightside Project $25,000 to aid their Food for Kids program that gives basic necessities such as food and personal care items as well as literacy materials to children 3-18 years of age in Columbiana County.
"This generosity is remarkable and will greatly impact children in Columbiana County," said Lisa Wallace, co-director of the Brightside Project. "We are so encouraged that they saw value in our approach to supporting children. These kids are really hurting and struggling to see a bright side. They're our future and need to know that the community is here for them and we care."
The Food for Kids program is a twice-monthly distribution that supports the health and wellbeing of a child with two primary focuses that includes increasing a child's access to basic necessities such as food and personal care items while also building developmental assets necessary for them to grow up healthy, caring and responsible. With a focus on helping children who have experienced trauma or been exposed to adverse childhood experiences, the Brightside Project aims to build resilience in each child.
Wallace said, "We know resiliency is one of the best tools for overcoming adversity so no matter what they face in life, we want them to believe in themselves and believe that there is a brighter future ahead. Everything we do is about giving them hope."
Awarded funding will be used to purchase food and personal care products for the program. Food for Kids gives each child an opportunity to practice making safe and healthy choices as they build self-esteem and personal power. Children choose what food and personal care items they would like to take home and in an effort to promote literacy and academic achievement, children are also encouraged to choose books and a stuffed animal "Reading Buddy", donated by members of the community.
Food for Kids is held from 4 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at the Brightside Project located at 483 E. Pershing St., Salem and is open to all children 3-18 years old in Columbiana County. For information visit www.brightsideprojectohio.org or call 234-320-4005.