BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Santa’s elves don’t just travel the night skies on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to good girls and boys. They also send their message of giving and goodwill across the airwaves of WOMP-FM and the River Network Radio Stations through a holiday program that’s now in its third decade of operation.
Disc jockey and Ohio Valley radio icon Johnny O organized the WOMP-FM Christmas Kids toy and clothing drive for kids in need 30 years ago.
Johnny O says the program started in 1994 to help needy kids in the Ohio Valley enjoy Christmas. The program grew over the years and people who were Christmas Kids themselves now come back to donate as adults.
It’s gotten to the point now where the kids that received the gifts as children are now participating in the event with us as donors.
Johnny O – 100.5 WOMP-FM Disc Jockey
Christmas Kids provides presents and clothing to 400 Ohio Valley children each year, according to Johnny O. They serve kids from toddler age to 17-years-old.
Johnny O says Christmas Kids is partnering with the House of the Carpenter on Wheeling Island this year to help kids in need. Elves from the House of the Carpenter were spotted high on Rock Hill Road at the WOMP studios this week loading a truck with donations. Johnny O said he has also worked with the Urban Mission in Steubenville and the Salvation Army for Christmas Kids.
Most items for this year’s kids have been donated, but Christmas Kids is still accepting items like toiletries, socks, underwear, shoes and gift cards. Johnny O says gift cards are perfect for the older kids and teens. Food, restaurant and movie gift cards are appreciated, he said.
You can drop donations off at the House of the Carpenter, 21 South Front Street, Wheeling Island (preferred) or at the WOMP studio on High Ridge Road, Bellaire.
