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Oil, gas association gives for children

CHRISTMAS JOY — Toys were distributed Tuesday at Grace Point Ministries in Steubenville as part of Ohio Oil and Gas Association’s effort to assist locally with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Specifically, employees with Hess Corp. assisted several hundred families in need select toys. On hand were, from left, Mike Chadsey, Ohio Oil and Gas Association director of public relations; and Hess employees, Ryan DeMattio, Suzette Law, Glenda Harlan and Brad Zearott. - Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Members of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association helped make the holiday season brighter on Tuesday for many area children by taking part in a U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program at Grace Point Ministries.

During the last few years, Ohio’s oil and gas industry has partnered with the program to raise funds and collect toys. In Jefferson County, a local active driller, Hess Corp., stepped up this year by donating its time and 1,000 of the Hess toy trucks, according to officials. The concept of the truck dates more than 50 years when John Hess decided to create a quality new edition truck every year, and Hess Corp. now donates the toys to many Toys for Tots programs.

During Tuesday’s distribution of toys, 10 Hess employees were on hand to help several hundred families representing almost 400 children select age-appropriate toys, officials said. Ohio Oil and Gas Association spokesman Mike Chadsey also was on hand.

“Today was an effort by the oil and gas industry to do our part to help. It is about our friends and neighbors that may be in need during a tough time. We work in these communities every day, and being able to give back to them in this way is something we’re really proud to be a part of during the holiday season,” Chadsey said.

Jim Wilson, Utica Team Lead, said Hess Corp. is honored and privileged to contribute to “this great program for folks who live in challenging times in the areas that we operate in.”

The kick-off started last week in Harrison County hosted by MarkWest Energy Partners, with additional events taking place throughout different communities in Eastern Ohio, including in Carroll County with Carroll County Energy LLC and in Belmont County with the Ebbart Farm Market.

Companies from the upstream, midstream and downstream segments get involved to help make some families’ holiday season brighter. “We are grateful to work with organizations like these making a positive impact where they work,” Chadsey said.

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