WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Police Department and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office are again preparing for their annual ‘Operation Toy Lift’ this weekend at the Ohio Valley Mall in Saint Clairsville.
This year, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the mall parking lot near Ulta Beauty and Ferguson’s House of Furniture.
This day starts with a small parade around the mall, with Santa arriving at the Toy Lift site at 10 a.m. After the parade, donation drop-offs will be accepted until 4 p.m. Various community members will help throughout the day by grabbing the public’s attention from the roadway with the ‘Toy Lift.’
Those wishing to contribute to the event can purchase a new toy for kids of all ages—including infants and teenagers—and drop it off at the donation site. 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 “Toy Lift” in the memo line.
“Every year, the generosity of our Ohio Valley community amazes us. Operation Toy Lift brings people together for a simple purpose—making Christmas brighter for children who need it most. We’re grateful for the support shown over the past nine years and look forward to another great event,” said Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger.
Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack added, “Operation Toy Lift is one of the most rewarding partnerships we take part in each year. We’re proud to stand alongside our community to help ensure every child can experience the joy of the holiday season.”
After the event concludes, the toys collected will be distributed to kids in need through the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.
