ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The same folks who give us hope in some of most challenging situations of our lives are working to bring a different type of hope to children across the region this holiday season.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Department is teaming up with several other agencies, including other first responders, to conduct “Operation Toy Lift Round II” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Ohio Valley Mall. With partners such as the Wheeling Police Department, Wheeling Fire Department and Cumberland Trail Fire District, Belmont County Sheriff David Lucas said his department and several other groups will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to be given to area children as Christmas gifts.

This is the second year for the effort. Lucas said it was very successful in 2017, and he hopes to duplicate or exceed those results this year. In particular, he commended Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger for his help with the toy drive. Lucas said they joined forces last year just a few weeks before the event, but everything came together well.

“We were able to help a lot of kids in Ohio and West Virginia last year, and we hope to do the same thing this year,” Lucas said.

Last year’s event yielded more than two box truckloads of toys, including 20 bicycles, and more than $1,000 in cash and assorted gift cards.

The sheriff, the police chief and other high-profile local residents will be looking out over the mall parking lot from a bucket truck next Saturday as donations come in. Some of those taking part will include Ginny Favede of Project BEST, Alicia Freeman of A Special Wish Foundation, Wheeling Vice Mayor Chad Thalman and several more.

Lucas said agencies such as the United Way, Belmont County Children Services and Headstart will identify children who could benefit from the toys. In the days after the toy collection is complete, those kids will visit the sheriff’s substation at the mall to receive their gifts.

“We’re just asking for support from the community so that we can make a lot of kids’ Christmas a happy one,” Lucas added.

Lucas noted that those who want to donate a toy will be able to simply drive-through the collection area. They will not even have to exit their vehicles as they donate to the cause.

“We want to make it convenient for them,” he said.

The event’s theme this year is “Raising Hope for the Ohio Valley.” Partners on the project include: Boscov’s, Macy’s, iHeart Radio, WTRF, ICR Equipment, Tricor, the United Way, Cumberland Trail Fire District, the Ohio Valley Mall, American Electric Power, Information Helpline, Bill’s Towing, the Wheeling Police Department and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department.

Lucas expressed special appreciation to the Ohio Valley Mall and to Macy’s, both of which helped coordinate the event. He said the collection will take place in the mall parking lot near the main and Macy’s entrances.

Following Operation Toy Lift, the sheriff’s department will hold its annual Shop with a Cop event for children on Dec. 15.