YOUNGSTOWN — For Jonathan Ellis, giving back to the community – especially during the holiday season – has become intertwined with overall family values.

“I like seeing people and helping them and giving things at Christmas, and saying, ‘Merry Christmas,'” Ellis’ daughter, Azariah Ellis, 9, of Liberty, said.

Azariah was helping her father distribute ham loaves, turkeys and turkey breasts as part of a holiday Christmas food giveaway Monday morning at the Youngstown Community Food Center, 94 Pyatt St., on the South Side.

In addition, the family often volunteers there weekly to give food to those in need, John Ellis said.

Also lending their hands, hearts and sense of holiday spirit to the 2 ½-hour effort were Ellis’ daughter, Amariah Ellis, 11, and son, Zechariah, Ellis 14. For her part, Amariah volunteered to help distribute the hams and ensure people signed in first, she said.

The family members were among the volunteers who did their part to brighten the holiday for hundreds of people and families, who received an abundance of free poultry, produce, ice cream, fresh fruit, English muffins, frozen vegetables, cheesecake and other items.

Filling people’s bags with mainly onions was Jennifer Worthey of Warren, who said she occasionally volunteers at the center. Worthey also expressed joy that she was available to assist with Monday’s giveaway.

“It’s good for your soul to help people,” she said.

“A lot of people are living paycheck to paycheck and are coming up short because of how expensive it is,” John Rea, the food center’s vice president of operations, said, referring mainly to grocery prices.

Among those who were happy to receive a $0 food bill – but a bagful of food – was Brenda Jackson of Youngstown, who took home enough to get her through the holidays – and then some.

“I’m just thankful for everything,” Jackson said.

Rea also praised Joseph Lordi for having started the center more than 30 years ago, and added that many of the products that were distributed Monday came from local suppliers, farmers and growers.

The center also serves about 40 area agencies that, in turn, distribute food to those in need and are struggling financially and otherwise, he noted.

In addition, the Youngstown Community Food Center is open Tuesday to the public, with the exception of this Tuesday because of the holidays. The center also serves area churches and food pantries Monday and Wednesday, Rea said. He added that those who come on Tuesdays are required to have a proper form of ID.

Tough economic times have contributed to an uptick in the number of individuals and families who take advantage of the Tuesday offerings, Rea added.

“We thought that if we can give an additional way, especially during the holidays, to help them, we’re doing some good,” Ashley Lordi, the center’s development director, said. “We’re just trying to find any way we can to help people; it’s one of many pillars of support.”

Ashley Lordi also is Joseph Lordi’s granddaughter.

Also at the food giveaway, an estimated 500 Android smartphones were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with one per family, courtesy of Chicago-based Mode Mobile.

Dan Novaes, Mode Mobile’s founder and chief executive officer, said his company recently made a $275,000 donation, part of which was used for the smartphones.

“People spend about 40 hours a week on their phones, like a full-time job. They can be a lifeline for them as well,” Novaes, who also is Ashley Lordi’s husband, added.

Such devices can be invaluable for those who receive them, partly because they’re set up to monetarily reward users who perform common functions such as playing games and texting. Specifically, recipients can earn up to $100 per month – extra money that can be used to fill the gas tank and buy groceries, he explained.

“One hundred dollars per month is a big deal for these people,” Novaes said, adding that his company plans to collaborate further with the food center for future giveaways.

In addition, users can apply for jobs with their smartphones, he continued.