AUSTINTOWN — For several years during the holiday season, Austintown resident Jason Tibolla has coordinated and led a small business holiday pop-up event to benefit local organizations, with this year’s event helping All About the Paws Animal Rescue and a collection for the Youngstown Blue Coats.

Tibolla welcomes local small businesses to the event to sell their products, permitting them to retain all earnings and sales, only asking they donate a basket valued at $40 to $50 to raffle off to benefit the two organizations.

This year’s event was at St. Blaise Parish-St. Joseph Church.

Tibolla said he has had a good relationship over the years with the two organizations when he coordinated events at the Austintown Plaza.

“This is the 12th year for this event. We wanted to keep the dream and hope alive for the animal rescue, and that is why we hold this each year,” Tibolla said.

He said the first years raised a few hundred dollars. Now donations are between $1,200 and $15,000 to the organizations.

The 40 small-business vendors sell various products, including holiday items. There is no fee to participate, just the basket donation.

Tibolla said he has always supported All About the Paws in Austintown because it helps to place dogs in good homes.

“I have always admired the work they do to help these animals and get them into good homes. They do a lot of good for the community,” he said.

As for the Youngstown Blue Coats, the public is encouraged to donate hats, gloves, coats and boots, which are delivered to the organizations.

“Some years we deliver several carloads of items. We have a wall of items filling bags lined up against the wall this year,” Tibolla said.

Tibolla gets help from his wife, Nanette, and son, Nicholas, to help coordinate the event, such as contacting vendors and making the posters.

“It has been successful for 12 years. We have many vendors who come back each year and tell us how they look forward to participating,” he said.

The eight-hour event brings in many holiday shoppers.

“I hope people who come here find what they want but also help their local brothers and sisters in the community at their businesses and also local organizations that help the community,” Tibolla said.

He said people enjoy shopping at small businesses but also enjoy knowing this holiday season they are helping people in need get coats and boots and ensuring dogs are being cared for.

Jamie Battles, a volunteer with All About the Paws, said, “We are super grateful for what Jason and the others do to help us. We appreciate any donations that help us to do what we can for the animals.”

She said the organization takes in strays and dogs needing help and takes care of them and finds them good homes.

Battles said the donations to the 10-year-old organization help pay utilities and also veterinary bills for the care of dogs.

“We often find animals that have medical conditions or are injured and need care. Many situations are emergencies where dogs need extra care and surgeries,” she said.

She said All About the Paws houses 10 to 12 dogs.

“I love being at events like this so people can come up and ask questions about what we do and how they can get involved and help,” Battles said. “I tell them how they can volunteer their time and make donations. By talking about what we do, we really spread awareness and what items we need at the shelter.”

Heather DeLucia, owner of Heather Lynn’s Buckeyes of Youngstown, was one of the local vendors participating this year.

“It’s nice to see the community coming together to help support the local organizations. I get to meet so many people at events that help my business but also other local businesses who take part for a good cause.” DeLucia said.

She said she learned about All About the Paws and the Youngstown Blue Coats and realizes all the good they do.

“What they do is amazing,” DeLucia said. “I am glad I can help them in some way.”