Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, representing Santa in Youngtown, greets Guy Burney, coordinator of the Youngstown Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, on Thursday outside of the Covelli Centre before heading out to deliver presents to children....Staff photo / Ed Runyan

YOUNGSTOWN — Santa Claus and the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence tried to make this Christmas happy for Youngstown children who have experienced hardship because of crime.

CIRV, which is run by the city, focused this year’s Christmas gift-giving campaign on children who have been victims of crimes such as shootings, arson and domestic violence, said Guy Burney, CIRV coordinator. City employees and foundations provided money for the gifts.

As he has in the past, Mayor Jamael Tito Brown donned a Santa outfit and beard and rode in a Youngstown firetruck to each of the 11 homes visited on Thursday. Riding in the cab behind the mayor was his wife, Lynette, and daughter, Clarisa, 16. They were dressed as Mrs. Claus and an elf.

At the Youngstown YMCA, they and Burney greeted an 8-year-old Youngstown boy and several other children who attend a day care and activity program on days when school is not in session.

The boy received a large bag of presents, and his friends each received other treats.

CIRV is a partnership among multiple law enforcement agencies, social service providers and the community that tries to stop violence through “call-ins” with individuals on probation and parole to offer them alternatives to violence.

Thursday’s event included the following partners: LOUD 102.3 radio station, Susie E. Barnes Foundation, Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, Youngstown Police Department, Youngstown Fire Department and Youngstown Parks and Recreation Department.

erunyan@vindy.com