WARREN — Families gathered Saturday afternoon at the Warren SCOPE Center for an event that has become a holiday tradition.

Ongoing Neighborhood Empowerment hosted its fifth annual Christmas with the Community celebration, welcoming residents for an afternoon of food, fun and connection.

The free three-hour event transformed the center into a festive hub filled with music, laughter and holiday characters. Families enjoyed a meal that included pizza, pasta, chicken nuggets, cupcakes, popcorn, candy, coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice and more. Children received age-appropriate gifts, posed for photos with Santa, and delighted in visits from the Grinch, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.

“This event is about giving back and ensuring every family has a reason to smile this holiday season,” said Moriah McCorkle, founder and executive director of O.N.E. “We created Christmas with the Community to remind families that they are seen, valued and supported.”

Founded in Warren, Ongoing Neighborhood Empowerment is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods through direct engagement and community-focused events. Christmas with the Community is one of the organization’s signature programs, designed to bring neighbors together and create a sense of belonging during the holiday season.

Throughout the afternoon, children rotated through activities, including cookie decorating, puzzles, coloring stations and games like Jenga, while music provided by DJ KB played in the background. Volunteers assisted families, handed out gifts and helped ensure the event ran smoothly.

Among those attending for the first time were Samantha Lochrane, 22, of Warren, and her 2-year-old daughter, Ella Carter. Ella eagerly decorated her own cookie using colorful icing and sprinkles.

“We really like it,” Lochrane said. “Ella is thrilled to be able to decorate her own cookie.”Nathan Fackler, 17, attended with his father, Daniel Fackler, both of Warren. It was their first time at the event, and Nathan could be found intently focused on a game of Jenga. Both commented on the strong turnout and positive atmosphere.

Aaliyah Clark, 5, worked patiently on a picture puzzle with help from volunteer Brooklyn Molden, while other children moved between craft tables and games.

Volunteers Cynthia McNair and Brandy Holden, both of Warren, returned for a second year to support the event and lend a hand at the food buffet. The pair, who have volunteered with O.N.E. through their church, Second Baptist Church of Warren, expressed excitement about the turnout and satisfaction in seeing families enjoy the celebration.

T’KeeYah Cambridge, Angela Davie, Tiffany Stanford and Emma Brown Simpson, all volunteers with O.N.E., assisted with distributing gifts to children and teens.

The event was made possible through the support of community sponsors and donors, including Second Baptist Church of Warren, Leigh Ryan Events, Wonderzone Preschool, Milena’s, Trumbull County African American Achievers Association, Taylor Made 360, Eastside Church of Christ, Pete’s, Lea Photography Learning Express Preschool and others.

Donations of toys and food were accepted to support the celebration, and organizers encouraged community members to stay connected with O.N.E. for future events. More information can be found by contacting Ongoing Neighborhood Empowerment at 330-553-1412 or by visiting the organization’s Facebook page.

As families mingled throughout the event with full plates, wrapped gifts and smiling children, the spirit of the afternoon reflected O.N.E.’s mission.

“It’s about giving back, creating opportunities for our youth and bringing the spirit of community alive,” McCorkle said.