The Brightside Project helds its 2025 “Bright Christmas” Saturday at its location on North Ellsworth Avenue facility in Salem. Over 700 children, accompanied by parents and superivisors, were able to choose gifts on their own from among the hundreds of donated items and other items purchased via monetary donations. Dozens of area businesses, community groups and individuals help the non-profit throughout the year in serving needs of county and area children. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted children who were also provided a bag of snacks and food items to take home. According to the organization’s site, 19.2 percent of children under 18 live in povery in Columbiana County. As her 10-year-old brother Andree holds her, fidgety 1-year-old Myla Zanders has a “chat” with Santa Claus. The children are from East Liverpool. The southern portion of Columbiana County is widely served by The Brightside Project. (Photo by J.D. Creer)