(Publisher’s Note: This OPEN LETTER initially was published close to Christmas in 2019, but because the same people have tried to do the same things to help others, we believed it’s a good thing to remind our readers about the good folks we have here in our communities.)
AN OPEN LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS:
First, I’d like to thank you for the Huffy and the Fuji 10-speed, the ball gloves, the Big Wheel, the stereo, and the Evil Knievel action doll complete with that super cool wind-up motorcycle.
This year?
This year, Santa, my only hope is that you take good care of the folks here in the Upper Ohio Valley who worked tirelessly to make sure thousands of local children are about to smile come Christmas morning. They either purchased or collected mountains of toys to assist struggling parents in East Ohio and in the Northern Panhandle this holiday season.
It’s a long list, as you likely already know, but it’s my Christmas wish to remind you of their names. This, by far, is not complete because so many more work so far under the radar that no one – but you – know their identities. But what these people will accomplish is an example of what this region really is: Something of a Miracle.
- Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas and Chief Deputy Jimmy Zusack partners with Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger and his officers to pull off Operation Toy Lift.
- Jake Padlow, owner of Jerry’s Bar in McMechen, staged a “Wrap & Sip,” and many of his “Barflys” attended.
- Volunteers with the House of Carpenter collected toys for at least a month, and they open their doors on Wheeling Island to anyone in need.
- Ohio County Sheriff Tom Howard and Chief Deputy John Schultz worked with retailers at The Highlands for two different toy drives, including the FOP’s “Shop with a Cop” event.
- Pastor Darrell Cummings from the Bethlehem Apostolic Shelter is an incredible man, and he and his wife, Latisha, once again have organized a “Christmas Basket Giveaway” for the 29th consecutive year!
- When the owners and staff members at Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration heard Pastor Cummings was struggling for toys because of the closures of OVMC and EORH, they simply went to the store and purchased $1,200 worth of brand new gifts for the Christmas Basket Giveaway.
- And Chef Gene Evans, Chef Rocco Basil, and Chef Ryan Butler performed their culinary craft this past week during the “Chef Showdown” at West Virginia Northern Community College to raise money not for toys but for food for those in need during the Christmas season. Chef Chris Kefauver joined Chef Matt Welsch and Chef Tom Raymond as judges, Jessica Rine was the co-host, Brad Leonard took care of the camera, and Josh Blakemore worked the sound.
As I stated, Santa, there are so many more folks who played roles in these efforts and many more, but the ones mentioned above are friends of mine, so I know how hard they worked and how important those children are to them. That’s why I believe you should leave them something a little extra under their trees this year.
Sincerely,
A Very Grateful Resident of the Upper Ohio Valley
