Kids, parents brave frigid temps for Polar Express

By AMANDA TONOLI

atonoli@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

More than 75 parents and children braved the frigid weather Friday afternoon to see Santa at Boardman Park.

The warmth, both temperature- and mood-wise, emanated from the Lariccia Family Community Center, drawing in families who are part of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center’s Help Me Grow program that features crafts, singing, reading and more.

Help Me Grow is an Ohio Department of Health-funded home-visitation program for pregnant women and their children until age 5.

Kim Johnson, supervisor for Help Me Grow’s infantile and birth age group, said she just likes the fun feel of the event named The Polar Express event.

“We like to give everyone the opportunity to do some crafts with the kids and see the big guy [Santa],” she said.

Leland Tennant, 5, of Campbell, gave Santa his wish list: Barney and Baby Bob stuffed animals as well as a Thomas the Tank Engine toy.

He excitedly received a stuffed-cat animal for sitting on Santa’s lap.

Leland’s mother, Alyssa Tennant, said she loves seeing not only her son but other children enjoying the event.

“I love seeing it put a smile on all of their faces,” she said.

First-timer Tishee Fant of Youngstown brought her 4-month-old, Steven, to take part in the festivities.

“I’m so excited and very thankful to Help Me Grow,” she said. “I just wish more people knew about it.”

Janet Alvarez of Youngstown smiled widely, attending for the second time with her 1-year-old daughter, Ilyaris.

“It’s so much more exciting now this year for her and for us now that she can comprehend a little more,” Janet said.

Mill Creek MetroParks provided winter gear, including hats, gloves, scarves and more, free of charge for families attending. Making Kids Count, a local nonprofit that works with families who need a helping hand, sponsored the event.

The Help Me Grow program is free to any eligible Mahoning County family. It provides parenting and child-development education, as well as information and referral about community resources for children with a developmental delay, disability or a medical condition that may result in a delay or disability.

For information, visit www.helpmegrow.ohio.gov/default.aspx or call 800-755-4769.