(Editor's note: the following is a news release from Summit County Children Services.)

Each year, Summit County Children Services counts on community donations to brighten up the season for children in agency custody by providing them with festive Easter baskets. This year donations are once again needed -- especially for school-aged and older boys.

Monetary donations are certainly welcome -- but for those preferring to donate already-completed baskets, here are some suggestions. For school-aged boys’ baskets: small sports balls or outdoor toys; cars and trucks; coloring/activity books and markers, books, candy and chocolate bunnies. For pre-teen boys: hand-held games, chapter books, action figures, gadgets, small games/puzzles, candy and chocolate bunnies.

Filled, wrapped baskets should be labeled with the child’s age and gender and delivered between March 23 and 26 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to Summit County Children Services, 264. S. Arlington Street, Akron.

As a public, levy-funded agency, Summit County Children Services is limited in its ability to use levy dollars for certain expenses, so the agency relies on the generosity of the community to provide children in custody with "extras" such as holiday gifts, school supplies and Easter baskets. For more information on making a donation, call Summit County Children Services’ Community Relations Department at (330) 379-2055 or log onto www.summitkids.org.

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