Christmas fundraiser for injured Austintown crossing guard

AUSTINTOWN — Santa and Mrs. Claus took time out of their busy schedules to pose for pictures at the Austintown Senior Center. They even brought along Frosty the Snowman.

The breakfast with Santa event Saturday had a twofold purpose, said Mark Cole, organizer.

“We’re just all teaming up to help Darcy [Fletcher] out, is the main thing, and to let people see the Austintown Senior Center,” he said.

Fletcher, a school crossing guard, was struck by a vehicle in November as she walked into Idaho Road to help children cross the street. She suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.

Money raised at the event will benefit Fletcher, who spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, said Cole.

Raising awareness about what the senior center offers is also part of the event, he added.

The center, located on Westchester Drive, is free for Austintown residents.

“It gives them a place to come to for bingo, just camaraderie, and different things like that, to meet new people, to get them out of the house,” Cole said.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com