‘Spirit of Giving’ reaches out to help families with essentials

By Sean Barron

More than 20 organizations took part in the effort.

YOUNGSTOWN — Angela Paolone busily pushed her son’s stroller in one hand and carried a large plastic bag filled with school clothing for her children in the other.

The total cost of her purchase? Nothing.

“It’s a great event to take advantage of,” said Paolone, of Youngstown, referring to Friday’s “Spirit of Giving Outreach Program” at Chaney High School, 731 S. Hazelwood Ave. “My main concern is for my kids.”

Like many people, the single mother of three has felt the impact of these difficult economic times. Nevertheless, she seemed content taking her time to walk through the cafeteria perusing the tables that contained a variety of clothing.

“It’s nothing to feel ashamed of” to accept free merchandise that’s offered, added Paolone, who came with her 3-year-old son, Trevon.

The cafeteria resembled a typical thrift shop during the six-hour event, which brought together various social-services agencies, high school clubs and others that had been collecting books, food, clothing and appliances since April to help area residents in need.

Other merchandise included compact discs, shoes, board games, glasses, cups and other kitchen items, and Christmas lights and decorations. The program also featured a free Chinese auction and a blood drive.

One person who was key in getting the project off the ground was 18-year-old Justin Kalinay, a 2009 Chaney graduate and four-year member of the school’s Key Club.

Justin explained the idea originated from two teen summits he had attended that related to community service. It wasn’t long afterward that Justin found himself sending about 50 letters to churches and other entities and making numerous follow-up calls. As a result, the outreach program had 22 sponsors, he noted.

Other legwork included enlisting friends and other area high schools’ Key Clubs, he continued.

Eventually, Justin continued, he was able to persuade organizations such as the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Hospice of the Valley, United Way of Youngstown/Mahoning County and the Salvation Army to get onboard with the project.

Seeing poor people “in rags” coming to the Salvation Army for assistance, as well as others down on their luck at the Rescue Mission was “an epiphany,” and solidified his desire to bring the project to fruition, Justin explained.

Another former Chaney Key Club member happy to volunteer was Aylia Holmes, a 2008 graduate.

“I just enjoy helping people and figured this is as good an opportunity as any to help the community,” said Aylia, who hopes to get into Youngstown State University’s respiratory-therapy program.

Being a giving person has always been second nature to Justin, said his mother, Michele Manche, who said she helped her son put the project together.

“He sees people for who they are and loves everybody,” she continued, adding that Justin encouraged her to get involved.

“He’s a born leader ... and likes to create his own path,” added Justin’s stepfather, Samuel Montmore, who’s known Justin about eight years.

Also helping was the Western Reserve Transit Authority, which provided free transportation for up to 150 people from all over the city who lacked a way to get to the school.