Gifts were showered on more than 300 Shenango Valley children recently when St. Joseph's Church in Sharon held its annual toy drive.

Rita Karing, director of the church's food pantry, said that each September, parishioners take information about children 12 and younger and buy gifts and other items to help meet the children's needs or wants.

The Sunday before the third Friday's food distribution, church members bring giftwrapped bags and boxes to the altar and leave them for distribution during the pantry's regular food drive.

"That's quite a sight on that Sunday," Mrs. Karing said.

Parents pick up the wrapped items from the church just in time to surprise their children with holiday presents.