LEETONIA Police, teens team up to help

Chief Soldano said area residents have proved to be more generous each year.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LEETONIA -- Leetonia area law enforcement agencies and Leetonia High School students are teaming up again to provide food, clothing and toys to needy families for Christmas.
The joint effort is for the third annual Caring and Sharing project.
Leetonia, Washingtonville and Salem Township police departments and the Leetonia High School student council are collecting new toys and clothing and cash through next Friday, Leetonia Police Chief John Soldano said.
Last year, area residents were more generous than the first year, Soldano said. He hopes the trend continues.
He said police obtain information from guidance counselors and other officials of the Leetonia schools to determine need.
Anyone wishing to donate may drop off new clothing, hats, scarves or mittens, or new, unwrapped toys suitable for infants through teenagers in Caring and Sharing collection boxes.
Where to donate
Boxes are located at Leetonia and Washingtonville police stations, at the Leetonia schools, at several stores in Washingtonville and Leetonia, and at Wilms Greenhouse and Mason's Steakhouse in Salem Township.
Monetary donations may be made at the police stations, the school, or directly to Soldano or Leetonia police officers; Washingtonville Chief J.R. Blakeman or Washingtonville police offers; or to Salem Township Constable Dan Valentine.
Next Friday is the last day of school for Leetonia students before Christmas break, he said. The students will sort and wrap the presents that day.
Police will then deliver the food baskets and gifts Dec. 21 and 22.
Soldano said with donations last year, 39 area families in need had new toys and clothes for Christmas. Cash donations enabled police to purchase enough groceries to provide 15 food baskets, he said.