A simple request for a photograph led me to an interesting and enjoyable evening on Thursday.

Vince Gianangeli, a former Belmont County official and past principal of St. John Central Academy, called our office seeking for a staff member to attend the Belmont County NAACP’s Christmas party. He said there would be a nice surprise at the end of the evening, and he believed it would be a newsworthy moment.

I was already traveling through Bridgeport when the call came in, so I headed on over to the venue — Vino di Piccin, located along National Road in Lansing. My husband, Mike, and met me outside and we found ourselves welcomed with open arms when we went into the tasting house.

Of course, we both knew many of the people who were present. I chatted with Vince to find out what to expect, greeted a few other acquaintances and settled in to enjoy the festivities. Mike found us some seats, and before I could join him he had struck up a friendly conversation with those sitting nearby.

Organizers insisted that we sample the refreshments, and we soon found ourselves eating and chatting with folks such as longtime Bridgeport school board member Jerry Brown, who was quick to join us at our table. The fun and games got underway when Kristina Estle, director of Flushing’s Underground Railroad Museum, arrived.

About midway through the party, a tour of the winery’s production facility was provided. Attendees got to see the interior of the large building where the magic takes place, and a member of the family pointed out the various pieces of equipment and described how they are used.

The big event of the evening, though, turned out to be an act of charity. The NAACP had a few other guests Thursday evening — representatives of Wheeling Health Right. The NAACP presented those health care professionals with a large, gift-wrapped present that turned out to be a check for $1,000. Group President Jerry Moore II explained to me that the organization wanted to do its part to help Health Right, which is working to meet the needs of impoverished individuals in Belmont County as well as those of its clients from West Virginia.

Mike and I truly enjoyed the evening and appreciate the generosity of all those present who were so happy to include us.

If you are looking for a pleasant place to pass some time this holiday season or, perhaps, hunting for the perfect gift for a wine lover, I highly recommend a trip to Vino di Piccin.

And, if you want to be a part of an organization that is working to better our region by promoting racial justice and equality and by supporting other organizations that do good in our communities, consider joining the NAACP. You can find the organization online and on Facebook.

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Speaking of doing good things for other people, Operation Toy Lift takes place this weekend.

Held annually in the parking lot at the Ohio Valley Mall, this effort involves cooperation among the Wheeling Police Department, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.

How does it work?

Local “celebrities” are lifted high above the traffic below in the bucket of an American Electric Power truck to wave and encourage people to stop by. Visitors to the mall can drive up and donate one or more new, unwrapped toys that will later be distributed to local children and families in need. The United Way determines where the donations go.

I am happy to again be participating in this worthwhile effort. I went up in the bucket three or four years ago and, not only did I feel safe and secure, but I had a great time trying to get people’s attention and watching so many people stop by to help bring joy to families across the local region.

Operation Toy Lift takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the parking lot outside Ulta Beauty. I’ll be on the lift from 3-3:30 p.m. I hope you will stop by to see me!

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There are plenty of other ways to give to good causes this holiday season. While you are out and about, keep your eyes open for those Red Kettles and the volunteer bell ringers who are working for the Salvation Army. Give a little change or a few dollar bills if you can.

You can also stop by the Ohio State Highway Patrol post in St. Clairsville to donate a toy for a child. Or, you can volunteer at a soup kitchen or deliver a load of non-perishable foods to a local food bank. You just might enjoy the season even more.