one by one®: The Brightside Project
The Brightside Project was launched in 2016 by the father-daughter team of Scott Lewis and Lisa Vittorio. Upon recognizing a need in their county, where more than 19% of children under the age of 18 are living in poverty, they were inspired to take action. “We really felt moved to start something to meet the needs of the children and didn’t know what it would turn into,” Vittorio said.
The work that began with Vittorio and her father giving food and hygiene supplies to about 20 children on a street corner is now a full-time job for both. “It’s a very reliable resource for families and children in our community,” Vittorio said. “Everything that we do, all of our programs and all of our events, are aimed at building resiliency in kids and giving them hope.”
The Brightside Project’s mission isn’t just about providing food or supplies. It’s also to equip and empower children in Columbiana County to reach their full potential.
Making an impact in a time of need
The Brightside Project’s two co-founders are its only employees, but up to 40 volunteers help on a regular basis. Some larger events, like the annual Bright Christmas, require between 75 and 100 volunteers. When it comes to financial support, a combination of private donors, grants, foundations, churches, corporate contributions and others make the work possible.
One of the organization’s flagship programs—Food for Kids—is a market-style food pantry program, offered twice monthly, for children. Another popular offering—Sunshine Bus—takes the food pantry program mobile. It began last year and has already provided support to thousands of children.
Much of the programming is focused on children who’ve experienced trauma or been exposed to adverse experiences. That demographic grew in February 2023, when the nearby community of East Palestine was the site of a train derailment disaster. “We are blessed to be able to be here full-time and be able to meet the need,” Vittorio said.
Promotional drawstring sportpacks: a difference-maker
A one by one grant provided drawstring sportpacks used for Sunshine Bus stops. The bags—which are imprinted with uplifting messages—provide a safe and sturdy way for the children to transport their food and supplies back home.
Vittorio said opportunities like grants play an important role in helping the organization carry out its mission. “It’s so important for us,” she said. “Without the grant, we would just be using grocery bags. These give the children a more dignified way of carrying items off the bus. Plus, they’re fun and it just takes our outreach to a whole new level.”
A note from Cheryl
The Brightside Project does remarkable work serving the families in its community. We were honored to give promotional drawstring sportpacks to support the organization’s important mission. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.