SOV residents make Easter baskets for CSB kids

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN | alcorn@vindy.com

NILES

Mary Ferro says making Easter baskets for kids at Trumbull County Children Services makes her feel wonderful and hopes it puts smiles on many young faces Easter morning.

Ferro and other residents of Shepherd of the Valley’s nursing facility in Niles participated in Operation Love this week, decorating and filling the Easter baskets with treats. It’s something SOV-Niles residents have been doing for more than 20 years.

“I like crafts, and I am happy to do it for the kids,” said Julia Chuirazzi, also a Shepherd of the Valley-Niles resident.

“I love anything that has to do with children,” said Donna Salyard of SOV-Niles.

Last year, the Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman nursing facility joined in the Operation Love fun by making Easter baskets for children at Mahoning County Children Services, said Kim Osborn, activities director at SOV facilities in Niles and Boardman.

“This has become a favorite tradition of the residents. They enjoy doing this type of project as they feel they are giving back to kids who may not receive a basket on Easter,” Osborn said.

The SOV-Niles residents made 75 baskets, and SOV-Boardman made 60 baskets. Representatives from the Trumbull CSB and Mahoning CSB were to pick up the Easter treats Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, for delivery on Easter morning, she said.