The Wheeling Police Department and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office are once again getting ready for ‘Operation Toy Lift’ on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Ohio Valley Mall in Saint Clairsville.

Since the event launched in 2017, thousands of local children have enjoyed a happier Christmas season thanks to the two law enforcement agencies joining forces and holding the event, along with the support of various community groups and businesses.

Those wishing to join in on the annual event can simply purchase a new toy – for ages ranging from infant to teenager and drop off to Toy Lift site. Those who drop off a toy will receive a voucher for a free sandwich at Chick-Fil-A.

This day kicks off with a small parade around the mall, with Santa arriving at the Toy Lift site promptly at 10 a.m. Anyone interested can attend. After the parade, donation drop offs will be accepted until 4 p.m. in the parking lot across from Ferguson’s House of Furniture. Various community members from the Ohio Valley will be helping throughout the day by grabbing the public’s attention from the roadway in the ‘Toy Lift.’

“Its amazing to see the support this operation has gained over the years,” Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said. “To think of how many children have benefited from the Toy Lift is amazing. We look forward to another great year on Dec. 10.”

Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas added,” The Sheriff’s Office is pleased to work with Wheeling PD and the many community partners that step up to the plate to make this great event happen. We hope to continue to raise hope for kids in the Ohio Valley again during Operation Toy Lift.” 

When the event concludes, the toys will then be distributed to those in need through the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can make a cash donation or write a check to the United Way for the Upper Ohio Valley and write in the memo line “Toy Lift.”

In addition to Wheeling Police and Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, partners for this year’s event include the Ohio Valley Mall, Boscov’s, American Electric Power, City of Wheeling, Cumberland Trail Fire Department, Belmont County Student Services, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, Ohio Valley Oil & Gas Association, Community  Bank, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, iHeartRadio, Belmont Savings Bank, Bill’s Towing, Information Helpline, EQT, Trinity Health System and WTRF-TV.