43
Blue Knights brighten season
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
Life hasn’t been easy lately for Mary Ann Esposito of Youngstown, but seeing her daughter’s expression upon receiving a 4-foot-tall, pink, stuffed rabbit brought a little added holiday cheer.
“That big, oversized rabbit is bigger than she is,” Esposito said with a chuckle, referring to her 9-year-old daughter, Tiona Saylia. “She loves stuffed animals.”
Esposito is disabled, and in July 2009, Terrence Crum, the father of her three children, was killed. Nevertheless, prayer and being with Tiona; 7-year- old son, Treyvonte Cardona; and daughter Terri Crum, 11, are making the holidays a lot easier, she added.
Also adding a bright spot to their Christmas was Saturday’s annual toy, clothing, coat and food giveaway event at the Crime Watch Center, 1001 Oak St., on the city’s East Side.
The four-hour gathering, hosted by the Blue Knights Police Association, gave people in need an opportunity to take a variety of donated items. Attendees were admitted five at a time to the former fire station and helped themselves to merchandise such as coats, board games, stuffed animals, children’s clothing, gloves and socks, sweaters, hairbrushes, books and videocassette tapes. They also were given boxes of food.
“I’m thankful they have an event like this. It brings joy to the kids,” said Esposito, who also left with several coats for her children.
Also grateful for the giveaway is Mary Williams, who worked 14 years at Sparkle Market on Gypsy Lane in Youngstown until the store closed last summer.
“I’m unemployed, so I appreciate everything that’s given to me in this time of need,” the Youngstown woman said. “I thank God for the giveaways.”
The event Saturday brightened Williams’ holiday, she said, adding that this was the second year she’s come.
“Christmas is a little bit rough this year,” said Helen Scott, a secretary with the Blue Knights and an event organizer.
The tough economy is a main reason the need for food, clothing and other essential items has grown during the past several years, Scott noted. Nevertheless, people are grateful for what is available during the giveaway, she said.