UTICA — Local families who are struggling financially were provided an opportunity to purchase gifts for the holiday season on Black Friday at 80% off the retail price.

The Oneida Square Project and Cornerstone Plymouth Bethesda Church, 500 Plant St., held their 10th annual Black Friday sale, where families were preselected by partnering agencies to participate in the event and select three gifts for each child. Families only had to pay $6 per child to receive gifts. Winter coats were also available for purchase for $5 each.

“We charge the families $6 per child just to give them a little dignity feeling like they provide for their family,” said Diana DiPrimo, operations director for the Cornerstone Plymouth Bethesda Church.

Families were able to drive up to the church in a curbside fashion and have the toys that were previously selected by them to be brought to their car. Cars were lined up on Plant Street while DiPrimo and volunteers for the event helped provide more than 300 children with gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

The Oneida Square Project and Cornerstone Plymouth Bethesda Church also received donated gifts from sponsors of the event like Walmart, Stewart’s Shops, Stuff The Bus CNY, First Source Federal Credit Union, MVP Healthcare and the faculty and staff at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

“Everything we do here at the church we believe in giving a hand up. We believe in equality and not charity — and this is just one of the events that we do here that speaks to that,” DiPrimo added.

Funds received from the event go towards purchasing toys for the following year. The Oneida Square Project and Cornerstone Plymouth Bethesda Church also accepts donations from the public. Anyone looking to donate for next year’s event can reach out to the organizations on Facebook or can contact DiPrimo directly at diana@cornerstoneutica.com.