Santa and Mrs. Claus help at Austintown fundraiser
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
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.
Linda Sopp attended the breakfast with her daughter and granddaughter.
“I’ve never been here,” Sopp said. “And I live right around the corner. And I’m going to start using it because it’s a very nice place.”
Her granddaughter, Lily Brooks, was just happy to see Frosty the Snowman.
“I liked him very much,” the 4-year-old said. “He’s my favorite song and my favorite movie.”
As Frosty walked around the center, she ran to him and hugged him tight while mom and grandma snapped pictures.
Lily also posed for a picture with Santa and gave him her wish list. Items high on the list were a baby doll and Barbie doll.
“She’s been asking to see Santa and Frosty,” her mother, Nicole Brooks, said.
Nicole explained they might not get to see Frosty this year, and Lily was disappointed.
“So we get to see him,” Nicole said. “That’s awesome.”
After the pictures, the family enjoyed breakfast.
Anthony Camacci, 3, was excited to speak with Santa. His wish list was all about football — he asked for a football helmet, red belt and white pants. He’s looking forward to being able to play the game.
His mother, Lori Camacci, said they attended to support Fletcher. Camacci worked with Fletcher at one time.
“It’s nice,” she said. “It’s good to bring the community together.”
Also included in the event were vendors selling items such as jewelry, books and scarves, a 50/50 raffle, and a basket auction.