SANTA’S HELPERS — Among many workers in the oil and gas industry helping to make Christmas merrier for local families in need are, from left, front, Joe Steale, Brent Riggle, Lisa Davis, Angela DeVanna, Julie McEndree, Amanda Finn and Kelly Cottle; and back, Todd Salters, Mark Hay, Zach Stillion, Casey Seyerle, Corey Mellott and John Cortez. They were among many who gathered at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities office on Thursday to distribute toys and other gifts for 475 Jefferson County families. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — Managers and workers in the oil and gas industry hustled about a large meeting room at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Thursday, filling tables with dolls, toy cars and other Christmas gifts as they listened to Christmas music.

About 25 employees of Ascent Resources and other members of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association had gathered there to prepare for the distribution of gifts for youth of all ages in 475 Jefferson County families in need.

Held in collaboration with Toys for Tots, the distribution is one of several organized by the organization and eight businesses in the oil and gas industry in the eight Eastern Ohio counties where they operate.

It’s the 12th year, Ascent Resources has hosted the local distribution, and Brent Riggle, senior external affairs coordinator for the company, has seen its impact on the adults who come to receive gifts for the children and teens in their lives.

“They’re very excited, very appreciative. It’s a great community. That’s why we chose Jefferson County,” said Riggle.

“A different company hosts each county. They bring volunteers, (monetary) donations and toys,” said Mike Chadsey, deputy coordinator for Toys for Tots and director of external affairs for OOGA.

Deb Oberlin, Toys for Tots coordinator for Southeastern Ohio, said in addition to collecting toys from staff and support businesses at their workplaces, many set out on a shopping spree, while a large truck was donated to haul many to the distribution sites.

As she prepared to sign in adults who presented documentation for each of their children, Oberlin watched as the oil and gas employees rolled in large boxes of toys and gifts for older youth, such as hair dryers and board games.

Oberlin said not only have the oil and gas businesses and their employees donated more than $60,000 in gifts for the effort, they also are preparing the distribution locations.

“I couldn’t do it without them. There’s no way,” she said.

Oberlin said Toys for Tots likes to work with local social service agencies, what she calls “the boots on the ground,” to reach families in need.

“The emergency cases are the ones that just rip me apart. Somebody who has lost a home to a fire or a job just before Christmas,” she said.

Chadsey said the experience of assisting with a Toys for Tots distribution is a bittersweet one.

He said he’s always saddened by the large number of families in need while also happy to be able to help them in some way.

“We feel blessed to be a blessing. It’s always great to be part of the community, and today’s a great example of that,” said Chadsey.

In addition to Ascent Resources, Toys for Tots distributions in Eastern Ohio were hosted by Williams, Expand Energy, Gulfport Energy, Infiinity Natural Resources, EOG Resources and Pin Oak Energy.

Toys for Tots is a nationwide campaign established by the Marine Corps in 1947 to provide gifts to children in need.

A similar distribution was held Wednesday in Carroll County and hosted by EOG Resources. Belmont County’s distribution is set for Monday and will be hosted by Gulfport Energy; Harrison County’s distribution is set for Tuesday and will be hosted by Williams; and Columbiana County’s distribution is set for Dec. 12 and will be hosted by Pin Oak Energy Partners.