Group hosts annual Christmas luncheon

WARREN

Staff report

The Avalon Inn and Resort was the site of the 17th annual Gift Giving Luncheon hosted by the Youngstown Chapter of Links Inc. The purpose of the luncheon was to donate gifts and toys to agencies and organizations that provide services to underserved children. In previous years, donations and funds had been presented to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Beatitude House, A Home for Kids, The Boys and Girls Club, Sojourner House, The Needles Eye, The Eagles Nest, the Black Knights, committee organizer Annie Hall and more. This year’s recipients were Protestant Family Services and the ICU Block Watch.

Dr. Virginia Banks, a member of the National Executive Council and an authority on HIV/AIDS, served as mistress of ceremonies. Approximately 300 guests were in attendance and each brought an unwrapped toy or gift. Entertainment was provided by Howard and the Point 5 Band.

New members Melissa White, Audrey Morales, Denise Pusey and Regina Miller, were officially introduced to the public.