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Meridian HealthCare hosts 24th Breakfast with Santa at Y
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
Santa posed for photos in a corner, long tables were filled with gifts, and a hot breakfast was served at the end of the room.
More than 300 children took part in Meridian HealthCare’s 24th annual Breakfast with Santa Saturday at the YMCA.
“It’s just to give back to our community, and to give back to families that might not be able to have a joyful holiday,” said Ashley Farinelli, Meridian’s prevention coordinator.
Every child left with a photo taken with Santa and a toy, after enjoying a hot breakfast.
The gifts were collected by Mahoning and Trumbull county students in Meridian’s PANDA Leaders Club. This group is made up of area middle and high school students.
“All of the presents were donated by children and their families, so they’re giving back to other youth in our community,” Farinelli said. “So it’s pretty awesome.”
PANDA members helped serve breakfast, assisted with crafts and coordinated photos with Santa.
Dylan Wilkerson, 16, of Howland, is a PANDA member. He volunteered at the event.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the community and the families that come to enjoy a nice Saturday morning, get breakfast, the kids get to see Santa and do different activities. I think it’s really nice,” he said.
Children who participated in the event are clients of the area nonprofit social services agencies that work with Meridian. They are 10 years of age or younger.
Tareia Betchel of Youngstown brought her son Karnell Tucker, 5. It was their first time attending.
“I think it’s really nice,” Betchel said.
Tucker picked out a motorbike shooter toy.
He said he likes toys like that, but he told Santa he’d like a turtle for Christmas.
Grace O’Donoahue, 6, of Struthers, attended with her mother, Michelle O’Donoahue, and grandmother, Cathy Barr.
Grace picked out a pink My Little Pony tea set. She was particularly interested in the sugar cubes that were part of the set.
“I never saw a sugar cube,” she said. “I only saw an ice cube.”
She told Santa she’d like a Zoomer Kitty for Christmas. Zoomer Kitty is a robotic cat.
The event is very nice, Michelle said. Barr agreed.
It was the family’s first time attending.