COLUMBUS — Ohio’s oil and gas industry is partnering with Toys for Tots in five counties in Eastern Ohio to distribute toys that have been donated to those in need in early December. The Toys for Tots program, with roots dating back to 1947, has helped countless families since that time.

This year, as in the past, the local oil and gas industry has joined in to help.

Many local churches, small businesses, schools and individuals have contributed new, unwrapped toys as well as monetary donations in record numbers this year and the oil and gas industry is helping to get those donations in the hands of those who need it the most this year.

Those who wish to sign up need to register online at dellroy-oh.toysfortots.org, click on the “Request a Toy” section at the top and follow the prompts. Forms must be submitted by Wednesday to be included in the program. For information, contact Deb Oberlin at ohtoysfortots@gmail.com or by phone at (330 418-2330. Visit the Ohio Toys for Tots Facebook page if you have submitted a toy request but have not been contacted to confirm your pick-up day, time and location.

“While Christmas is the best day of the year for some of us, unfortunately for far too many it is not, and it reminds them that perhaps they don’t have anyone to spend the day with or find it hard to deliver on a promise to their children for that special toy,” said Mike Chadsey, deputy coordinator for Toys for Tots and spokesman for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association. “That is what makes this effort so special for those of us who work in this great industry, because we believe to whom much is given, much is expected. Not only is this our pleasure, but we believe it’s also our responsibility.”

“I have enjoyed partnering with Ohio’s oil and gas industry these last eight years because these companies and their people have giving hearts and have been an equal partner with the Foundation and we could not do what we do without them,” said Toys for Tots Coordinator Deb Oberlin.

This year’s sponsors are Ascent Resources, Carroll Energy, EQT, Equitrans Midstream, Energy Transfer, Equinor, Seneca Resources, Southwestern Energy, Pin Oak Energy Partners and Williams.

Here is a list of the counties in our area, with distribution dates along with their hosts for the 2021 program:

— Harrison County: Dec. 7, Wallace Lodge at Sally Buffalo Park, hosted by Williams.

— Belmont County: Dec. 8, First Presbyterian Church of St. Clairsville, 110 S. Marietta St., hosted by EQT and Equitrans Midstream.

— Jefferson County: Dec. 9, Grace Point Ministries, 4244 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, hosted by Ascent Resources.

— Carroll County: Dec. 10, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 616 Rosell Road NW, Carrollton, hosted by Pin Oak Energy Partners.

— Columbiana County: Dec. 14, Stadium Motors, 292 W. State St., Salem, hosted by Stadium Motors; and Dec. 17, Columbiana Ford, 14851 South Ave., Columbiana, hosted by Columbiana Ford.