Santa Claus is lifted over the fog by an AEP bucket truck last year, signaling the start of Operation Toy Lift at the Ohio Valley Mall. Agencies on both sides of the Ohio River are working together again to bring a merry Christmas to families in need. (File Photo)

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Ohio Valley Mall, the Wheeling Police Department, Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley are hosting the seventh annual “Operation Toy Lift” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Ulta Beauty parking lot.

New, unwrapped toys can be donated to give to local children of all ages during the event. The first 100 people who donate will receive a free Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit.

According to a press release from the Wheeling Police Department, “This day starts with a small parade around the mall, with Santa arriving at the Toy Lift site promptly at 10 a.m. Anyone interested can attend.”

Following the parade, donations can be dropped off until 4 p.m. in the mall parking lot near Ulta Beauty.

Donated gifts are given to children in Wetzel, Tyler, Belmont, Ohio, Brooke and Marshall counties.

Different community members along with Santa will stand in the lift throughout the day, waving to traffic and working to attract passersby.

“Now, seven years in, the support of this even amazes me. It’s humbling to see how many Ohio Valley children are impacted by the generosity of others. I look forward to another successful event and am eager to see our community come out on Dec. 9,” Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said.

“Operation Toy Lift has grown by the overwhelming support from our communities in Ohio and West Virginia.

I want to also thank all our partners for all their hard work making this happen. We are asking our community again to give hope for our kids by supporting Operation Toy Lift,” Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas said.

“We are always thrilled to offer space for Operation Toy Lift,” Candi Noble-Greathouse, marketing director with the Ohio Valley Mall, said.

She said that giving back to the community is very important to herself and mall management.

After Saturday’s event, the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley will distribute the toys to local children in need.

According to a press release from United Way, “If there’s one common trait throughout our Upper Ohio Valley, it’s generosity. We selflessly offer our time, talents and resources to feed the hungry, to provide clothes and other necessities, to give shelter and to offer comfort. We also come together through a number of programs each year to ensure the holidays are as bright and cheerful as possible for area children.”

Organizers and sponsors for the event also include American Electric Power, the city of Wheeling, Cumberland Trail Fire District, Belmont County Student Services, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Ohio Valley Oil & Gas Association, Community Bank, iHeartRadio, Belmont Savings Bank, Bill’s Towing, EQT, FedEx and WTRF-TV.

Last year residents dropped off thousands of toys at the Ohio Valley Mall, where officers and other volunteers gathered to play Santa.

According to a press release from United Way, the organization then distributed the toys “to ensure no child feels forgotten this Christmas season.”

Monetary donations can be made to United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley either online at unitedwayuov.org or by writing a check to the United Way for the Upper Ohio Valley and writing “Toy Lift” in the memo line.