Attorney Michael Shaheen, left, and wife Robyn Shaheen, right, present Community Action Commission Executive Director Alaire Mancz with a donation for the organization’s Secret Santa program on Wednesday morning. T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Shaheens are continuing their annual tradition of supporting the Secret Santa program, which helps provide underprivileged children in Belmont County with gifts for the holidays.

Attorney Michael Shaheen, owner of Shaheen Law Group LLC, and his wife, Robyn, presented the organization with a check for $500 on Wednesday. They have donated to the program for the last eight years, as the initiative is something close to their hearts.

“It’s our intention that as long as we’re here in business, we’ll contribute every year. It’s not at all a task or a burden, it’s a privilege for us to be able to help Alaire and her organization,” Michael Shaheen said. “The biggest reason we feel so strong about this charity is because it’s a direct benefit to those in need.”

Shaheen credits his mother, Addie Bedway Shaheen, as being the original secret Santa and an inspiration for him to continue her legacy of giving to those in need.

“When I was little, she would call the principal and say, ‘I need the name of every kid that needs a coat and toy,’ he said, adding that she did this every year to ensure children’s needs were being fulfilled.

The Community Action Commission of Belmont County, which has conducted the program for more than 25 years, collects donations from the community for the program in order to purchase gifts for youth who may not otherwise receive anything for Christmas. Alaire Mancz, executive director of the CAC, said the organization relies on donations from the community to help fund the program.

“This fund is run solely on donations. There are no other grant monies coming into this fund so we rely heavily on these donations,” she said.

Mancz said they are grateful for the Shaheens’ continued support of the program.

“I’m so appreciative of Michael and Robyn because without people like them, this program wouldn’t be possible,” she added.

The Shaheens are also known for taking all the remaining tags off of the Salvation Army’s Giving Tree at the Ohio Valley Mall, shopping and donating gifts to all of the children who aren’t selected by other local residents. Mancz said they are generous and supportive of a number of projects throughout the year that support those in need in the community.

Around $3,000 has been raised for Secret Santa to date, with organizers being able to provide 39 students in middle and high school with gifts this Christmas season. Mancz said three students from every school in the county will receive a present through this year’s program. The schools provide the names to the CAC for the program.

Mancz said most of the items already have been purchased, and the CAC is in the process of delivering the gifts. She said each student makes a request of what they would like to receive.

“We try to individualize it as much as possible,” she said.

This year the popular items requested by students included Hydro Flasks, Champion sweatshirts, Harry Potter books, hair scrunchies, makeup products and gift cards.