Times Leader Staff Writer
MARTINS FERRY The recent Operation Toy Lift garnered nearly $12,000 in donations and hundreds of gifts now being used by local charities to make Christmas bright this year for children across the Ohio Valley.
The toy drive was a joint operation of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department, Wheeling Police Department and United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.
Following the drive held outside of the Ohio Valley Mall on Dec. 5, the United Way has allowed various groups and agencies that serve needy children and their families to pick out toys. A makeshift toy shop was set up in a room inside the mall.