SANTA’S ELVES — Employees of Ascent Resources stood behind toys to be distributed to Jefferson County families during a Toys for Tots event at the Jeffco Event Center, Tuesday. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — The Jeffco Event Center briefly transformed into Santa’s workshop on Tuesday, as a partnership between the Toys for Tots Foundation and the Ohio oil and gas industry distributed toys to nearly 200 Jefferson County families.

For the 11th year, the Ohio Oil and Gas Association has partnered with Toys for Tots to distribute donated toys to families in need across Eastern Ohio. This year’s distribution events covered nine counties with help from some of the oil and gas trade association’s members.

Ascent Resources contributed funding and volunteers to host the penultimate distribution in Jefferson County, which had 199 families come to receive four toys per child and a board game. The program reportedly served 708 individual children from those families.

“We know things are tough right now with inflation,” said Mike Chadsey, deputy coordinator for Toys for Tots and director of external affairs for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association. “Things in the Valley have certainly gotten better. So, our goal is to help those who maybe just need a little assistance this time of year. … To whom much is given, much is expected. We’re in a good situation in the industry, and it’s our pleasure to give back.”

Founded in 1947, the Ohio Oil and Gas Association boasts more than 2,000 members representing the crude oil and natural gas industry, including producers, pipeline operators, refineries, vendors and contractors.

PERUSING — Gianna Amatangelo, right, of Ascent Resources helped Jerrica Strother, left, and Jennifer Raper pick out toys during the Toys for Tots distribution event hosted by Ascent. -- Christopher Dacanay

Chadsey said the association reaches out to its members each year to host a toy distribution. All members that elect to participate also contribute financially, this year raising $85,000 for the overall effort.

Ascent has been engaging in the toy distribution partnership for around seven years. Brent Riggle, external affairs coordinator for Ascent, noted that many company employees live in Jefferson County, so aiding the area has a personal touch.

“We like to volunteer as much as we can in our operating areas. Jefferson County is a major one,” he said.

Also founded in 1947, the Toys for Tots Foundation originated with Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks. He was encouraged to start the foundation by his wife, Diane, who asked him to donate some handmade dolls to an agency that supports children. Finding no such organization, Hendricks started his own and, with his reserve unit in Los Angeles, distributed 5,000 toys that year.

The Marine Corps Reserve now operates the program nationally, collecting unwrapped toys during the last three months of the year and distributing them to less fortunate children through community campaigns.

Toys for Tots coordinator Deb Oberlin said the foundation has a “strong” partnership with the oil and gas association, which is constantly seeking ways to help. The association’s participation allows the foundation to purchase toys at cost, rather than rely on community members’ donations.

“We could not do the number and the sheer volume of families and kids that we do if it wasn’t for oil and gas,” Oberlin said. “The companies have done amazing contributions to our community. They really get in the trenches with me in getting to know what’s going on in the area. They actually really care.”

EQT sponsored the rental truck for delivering toys, and Blackrock Resources sponsored the fuel. Distributions are hosted at venues that will host them for free and coordinators receive no reimbursement, Chadsey said. That means all proceeds go toward obtaining toys, which are purchased locally.

Chadsey and Riggle thanked the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities for permitting the use of its facility and Jefferson County Commissioner Tony Morelli for getting the parties in touch.

Around 30 Ascent employees gave their time to the effort throughout the day. Over three shifts — which included set up and tear down — employees accompanied registrants while they selected their desired toys.

Individuals began lining up outside the Jeffco Center an hour before distribution started.

First in line was Mandy Wells of Bergholz, who picked out toys for her three children, ages 8 to 11. Attending for her second year, Wells said the toy distribution makes the difference between her children waking up to gifts on Christmas or none at all.

“It helps a lot. It definitely does,” she said. “No kid should wake up on Christmas with nothing.”

Future distributions will take place in Columbiana County, hosted by Pin Oak Energy and Stadium Motors. Previous distributions were done in Harrison and Carroll counties, hosted by Williams on Dec. 3; Monroe County, hosted by Expand Energy on Wednesday; Belmont County, hosted by Gulfport Energy on Thursday; Guernsey and Noble counties, hosted by Infinity Natural Resources on Friday, and Carroll County, hosted by EOG Resources on Monday. The Ohio Oil and Gas Association itself will present another distribution in Coshocton County.