Contributed HELPING OTHERS — Carriage Inn of Steubenville provided Christmas trees and trimmings to help make the holidays more merry and bright for 10 families within the Steubenville City School District. Amy Colantoni, district public relations and fundraising specialist and campaign organizer, and Alisa DelGuzzo, community director of marketing for Carriage Inn of Steubenville, which is operated by the Capital Health Care Network.

STEUBENVILLE — Capital Health Care Network, operator of Carriage Inn of Steubenville, is brightening the holidays for 10 families by donating Christmas trees and decor for Steubenville City Schools’ Stuff-a-Bus campaign.

Community Director of Marketing Alisa DelGuzzo and admissions director Colleen Salyers made the contribution to event organizer Amy Colantoni, who serves as district public relations and fundraising specialist, as part of the annual collection.

Students, residents, organizations and local businesses shared their Christmas spirit and contributed toys, personal care items and other goods during the activity on Dec. 3 in conjunction with the Day of Giving at Steubenville High School.

Presents were loaded onto a school bus, which then traveled to each of the six district schools as well as participating businesses to collect more donations. The trees were being distributed along with the gifts to Steubenville students and their families on Monday.

DelGuzzo said Carriage Inn has participated in the Stuff -a-Bus program since it began in 2017, but the trees and decorations have been given for the past four years. She commented that it was another way to help families enjoy the holiday season.

“Carriage Inn of Steubenville is proud to donate Christmas trees to Steubenville City Schools as part of our commitment to supporting our community and spreading holiday cheer,” she added. “We believe in fostering joy and togetherness during this special time of year, and providing trees for the schools is a meaningful way to help create a festive atmosphere for students and their families. It’s our way of giving back to the community that has given so much to us.”

Salyer agreed, saying it was one of her favorite moments.

“I participate in a lot of the community giving and the holiday time is one of my favorite activities to do for the students of Steubenville City Schools,” she commented.

Colantoni, who implemented the yuletide program and returned to organize it this year, said two families from each school will receive a festive fir to adorn their home. She was grateful to Capital Health for ensuring that families have a very merry Christmas.

“Embracing unity, sharing love and kindness, creating a cheerful atmosphere and sense of togetherness brings so much joy into the homes of our SCS families,” Colantoni added. “We are so thankful for our community partnerships and proud to work together.”

She said the community has been immensely generous by benefiting more than 200 district youth in recent years. Nearly 2,000 items, including toys, personal hygiene items, sporting goods, board games and winter coats and accessories have been given and presents are selected by the child’s age and gender.

Colantoni also recognized the sponsors, which included Capital Health Care Network, the Laurels of Steubenville and Dixon Healthcare Center, Eastern Construction and Excavating Inc., Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 1, First Westminster Presbyterian Church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Women’s Philoptochos, Mr. Key Locksmith Shop and Seven Ranges Entertainment, and cited examples such as the Laurels and Dixon for donating toys and providing hot cocoa and doughnuts for volunteers aboard the bus and Eastern Construction for having the Grinch on hand. She also thanked the district board, administration, schools, students and parents for their unwavering support and for making each year successful.