'Tis the season for spreading holiday cheer and that's exactly what the city of Youngstown did Friday morning.

Many departments came together to deliver toys, gifts and clothes to those in the city affected by violence.

"The joy on their faces when we roll around with everything just cannot be matched and can't be explained unless you experience it," said Carla Gipson, Administrative Assistant with the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV). "We started with the giving program a few years ago and it kind of has evolved into what it is today. We get a good amount of funding and donations to private donors."

The holiday season can be trying for some who have experienced a difficult year or are missing a loved one. That's why the City of Youngstown is giving back to those who have experienced violence or the loss of a loved one due to violence.

CIRV is a partnership of law enforcement, social service agencies, and the community to reduce gun violence in Youngstown. The group's mission is to create an effective delivery system to offer individuals a circle of support enabling them to choose a non-violent path.

"It's a joyous time but for a lot of people, they experience grief from loss," explained Guy Burney, Director of CIRV. 

"We worked a lot this year with YPD," Burney added. "And they helped us to pick some families who they know who they had to visit because of these incidents and so they knew the families and the children. So, we're working directly with them."

Dozens of presents were donated by community partners including the Youngstown Rotary.

"We have children from 1-19 years old on our list of children," Gipson added. "So we want to be able to offer them some hope, comfort, and peace to those who have experienced trauma, violent crime or incarcerated family members; just by offering the gift of giving, comfort, and love."

Gifts included educational toys, children's character toys and dolls, clothing items, electronics, candy, skateboards, helmets, makeup, and other toiletries.

Resources are also being offered to struggling families with the help of the Mental Health and Recovery Board and YUMADAOP.

"This is just one day," Burney added. "And they have to live. This is a very hard time for a lot of young people and families who have lost somebody. So, we just want to bring a little hope."

"This is teamwork," said Clemate Franklin, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation with the City of Youngstown. "We're here to serve the people here in our community. Giving kids hope and presents is just wonderful."

"This was such a dope experience and it helps. I am just embracing all of this," said Jaismin Morris of Youngstown. "It gives me something to be grateful for in this moment. I was so surprised and that's what makes this even better. It's really nice to do this for people." Morris lost her daughter, Amya Monserrat to gun violence in April of 2023 on Youngstown's south side.

"These families are resilient," Burney said. "We want them to know that they don't have to do it alone. There are resources and there are people to talk to. It's okay to get counseling. And that's just for everybody this holiday season."

Contact the CIRV office at 330-742-8778 to get involved with future events.