Meridian Healthcare hosts “Breakfast with Santa”

Hundreds of children who otherwise might not have an opportunity to be part of a holiday event, enjoyed some holiday cheer Dec. 13 at Meridian Healthcare’s annual Breakfast with Santa event.

Student volunteers from several area schools who are members of the Meridian-sponsored PANDA Leaders Club collected toys to distribute to the children via the PANDA Leaders Club Giving Tree event. They also helped serve a free breakfast, led holiday craft events and coordinated photos with Santa at the Breakfast with Santa event.

The children are clients of the many area non-profit social service agencies Meridian works with. PANDA Leaders Club members are students at area middle schools and high schools.

PANDA Leaders Club members from Lowellville Jr./Sr. High School, Austintown Middle School, Boardman Center Middle School, Boardman Glenwood Middle School and Boardman High School participated in this year’s PANDA Leaders Club Giving Tree event, along with the entire Mineral Ridge High School, Niles Middle School, Poland Middle School and Struthers Middle School – collecting more than 500 presents at their schools. Meridian employees also donated gifts.

This year Avion on the Water and Drake’s Landing donated a hot breakfast for all attendees including eggs, french toast, potatoes, meat and drinks. Maggie’s Magic Muffins, along with Perkins Restaurant in Boardman, also donated miniature muffins for breakfast. Other local businesses who have also contributed are Giant Eagle’s Boardman, Canfield, Austintown and Poland locations, and Arby’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Austintown locations.

Meridian Healthcare, established in 1972, is an innovative non-profit organization that is dedicated to Saving Lives and Serving Communities.

Meridian Healthcare has been sponsoring the Breakfast with Santa event for more than 22 years.