Collection sites announced for Rich Center fundraiser

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Special to The Vindicator BENEFIT: Joey Ewing Wolanzyk, a teacher and volunteer at the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University, gets a kick out of making a donation to the Give Autism the Boot fundraiser, which is the center’s major summer fundraiser. Accepting the contribution is Deb Maust, a parent volunteer.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University will conduct its major summer fundraiser, Give Autism the Boot, on Saturday.

During the day volunteers will be accepting contributions at 20 locations in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, including at the Mahoning Valley Scrappers baseball game.

The goal is to help the center raise $20,000 this year. All proceeds will directly benefit children with autism at the center.

Contributions will be accepted by volunteers at the following locations:

• Panera — Boardman at The Shops at Boardman Park, Canfield, Austintown, and Warren Elm Road.

• TJ Maxx, in Boardman.

• Handel’s — Boardman-Canfield Road; South Avenue, Boardman; Belmont Avenue, Liberty; Poland; and Austintown.

• Giant Eagle — Poland, Canfield, Howland and Mahoning Avenue, Warren.

• Sparkle Market — Struthers.

• Scrapper game — Niles.

Donations were accepted at two locations prior to beginning of the Give Autism the Boot campaign, which is designed to raise awareness and funds for the program.

Each year autism affects 1 in every 150 births with 1 in every 94 boys being diagnosed with the neurological disorder. Research is ongoing, but there is no cure.

Sponsors for the fundraiser are The Vindicator and WYTV HOT-101.