EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) – The Brightside Project is hosted a large giveaway for East Palestine residents Saturday.
They provided food, cleaning supplies and more to residents of East Palestine, Negley, Unity Township, New Waterford, Darlington, Rodgers and Lake Tomahawk.
This marks the end of their immediate crisis response and the beginning long-term support efforts. Part of the plan moving forward includes a mobile unit: the sunshine bus. The bus will visit East Palestine regularly to provide children books, snacks and other items.
“We want the sunshine bus to be a statement to the children. So, even when they see it pulling in to town, we want them to know that hope is coming for them, that we’re bringing them the sunshine,” said Lisa Wallace, codirector of the Brightside Project.
The Brightside Project served around 700 families and 1,000 kids. Residents were told to bring some kind of proof of residency. Children received a pillowcase and sunshine bag.
It happened from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday at East Palestine High School.
The organization also is in talks of other ways to continue long-term recovery efforts.
Noelle Haynes contributed to this report.
