Local

Organizations donate 2,000 boxes of food to local families on Giving Tuesday

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

November 28, 2023 5:15 PM

Physician at Akron Children’s and daughter of Attorney Rossi Dr. Elana Rossi helps a parent load a food box in their car. Photo provided

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2,000 boxes of food donated to local families

Local families received boxes of non-perishable food thanks to donations and philanthropy from local business owners and organizations.

Youngstown-based attorney Daniel L. Rossi and his family provided $50,000 to prepare and distribute food to needy people.

This year, they distributed nearly 2,000 boxes of non-perishable food to Mahoning Valley families.

The Rossi family partnered with Akron Children’s Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank and Alta Care Group to organize the donations.

Families picked up their boxes at various Alta Head Start locations in Mahoning County.

The drive was inspired by Daniel Rossi’s desire to provide for neighbors in need and their families.

According to his daughter, Dr. Elena Rossi, a physician at Akron Children’s in Youngstown.

“My father wanted to make sure that we were feeding children in Mahoning County. Through our partnership with Akron Children’s and Second Harvest Food Bank, we identified the children most in need and Alta was able to provide the locations where we can have the greatest impact,” said Dr. Elena Rossi.

They also donated gift bags for children, including dental hygiene kits, kids’ books, and other family resources.

For families who couldn’t pick up their boxes, a few Akron Children’s donors are helping deliver food boxes to their doors.

“Providing for the well-being of our Valley’s families is at the heart of what we do at Alta. We are thrilled to play a part in reaching families that are touched by food insecurity and provide the necessary support they need,” said Joe Shorokey, Chief Executive Officer of Alta Care Group.

Dr. Elana Rossi, Buddy the Alta Care Bear and Mario Morelos, Akron Children’s External Affairs Photo provided

Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan

Fifty alumni from Boardman High School came together for a unique, friendly competition among multiple generations.

Boardman Athletics hosted the biennial BHS Alumni Swim Meet last Friday in the Youngstown State University natatorium.

Alums who graduated between 1987 and 2023 returned to the pool to compete against current high school swimmers.

Niles first responders raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Association

Niles firefighters spent Black Friday collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

They collected money from shoppers lined up inside and around the Eastwood Mall.

For their fill-the-boot campaign this month, they raised over $5,000, which will be donated to help families and individuals living with neuromuscular diseases.

The Niles firefighters and police officers will bartend at Buffalo Wild Wings this Friday for another fundraiser.

From 6 - 9 p.m., stop by Buffalo Wild Wings at 950 Great E Plaza in Niles. Tips for bartenders will be donated to Niles City Schools.