ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Ohio’s oil and gas industry is partnering with the Toys for Tots Foundation to distribute toys throughout southeastern Ohio.

Churches, social organizations, local businesses and others will be collecting toys for the group’s efforts, while the Ohio Oil and Gas Association will help with their distribution. Participating with the association in its fifth year are MarkWest, Ascent Resources, EdgeMarc Energy, XTO Energy and Williams.

Foundation Coordinator Deb Oberlin, who lives in Carroll County, is leading the effort in southeast Ohio.

“Each year, my family and I work to provide toys for the kids of Appalachia through the Foundation and appreciate our partners in the oil and gas industry,” said Oberlin, who has been honored by the U.S. Marine Corp and Duracell for her longtime efforts with Toys for Tots.

“We are so grateful for Deb and her entire team at the Toys for Tots Foundation for the willingness to work with us and our member companies on toy collection and distribution, as we know there is a need in our operating areas and we want to do our part to serve our neighbors,” said Mike Chadsey, spokesman for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association.

Although the national deadline for requesting toys was Nov. 15, the deadline in southeast Ohio is Dec. 7. Those needing to request a toy can do so by visiting https://dellroy-oh.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-single-form.aspx.

To donate a toy, visit https://dellroy-oh.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-donate.aspx.

Toy distribution times and dates will be as follows:

∫ Belmont County: 9 a.m. Dec. 14, Ebbert Farm Market, 68101 Ebbert North Road, St. Clairsville, hosted by XTO;

∫ Harrison County: 9 a.m. Monday, Olive Branch Church, 201 S. Main St., Cadiz, hosted by MarkWest;

∫ Jefferson County: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Grace Point Church, 4244 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, hosted by Ascent;

∫ Monroe County: 9 a.m. Dec. 12, First United Methodist Church, 136 N. Main St., Woodsfield, hosted by EdgeMarc;

∫ Carroll County: 9 a.m. Dec. 17, Our Lady of Mercy Church, 618 Roswell Road NW, Carrollton, hosted by Williams.

The Ohio Oil and Gas Association is a trade group with members involved in exploration, production and development of crude oil and natural gas resources within the state of Ohio. For details, visit www.ooga.org.