Helping children in need is goal of local effort | News, Sports, Jobs

LENDING A HAND — Empire Diversified Energy of Follansbee is the latest of many businesses to make a donation to the Bernie’s Kids Toy Drive, an effort begun by the late Bernie Kazienko and carried on by the Brooke County Deputy Sheriffs Association and several other volunteers. With some of the many toys donated to the cause are, from left, Gary Conley, secretary-treasurer for the deputy sheriffs association; Pamela Wright and Tucker Yano of Empire Diversified Energy; and Megan Himmelrick of the deputy sheriffs association. — Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Brooke County sheriff’s deputies are again seeking help from the community to carry on a holiday tradition that has made Christmas brighter for many local children in need.

In recent years the Brooke County Deputy Sheriffs Association and a group of volunteers have continued the Bernie’s Kids toy drive named for the late Bernie Kazienko, who started the effort as a deputy more than 40 years ago.

The volunteers have established drop-off points for donated toys at Hood’s Pharmacy in Follansbee and the Dollar General Market, Reasner Funeral Home, Traubert’s Pharmacy, Mark’s Carryout, Main Street Bank and Tommy’s Classic Touch Barbershop and Hair Salon in Wellsburg.

Toys will be accepted up to Dec. 9, said Clarissa Ray, who organizes their distribution with the help of a handful of other women.

Ray and Gary Conley, secretary-treasurer of the deputy sheriffs association, expressed thanks to the businesses’ owners for their support as well as to the many businesses, groups and individuals who donate toys or money for the campaign each year.

Joining them this year was Empire Diversified Energy of Follansbee, which presented more than 30 toys, three bicycles and monetary donations for the cause this week.

“We’re very happy to support Bernie’s Kids, and we’re looking forward to expanding our effort next year,” said Chip Fenske, general manager of Empire.

Pamela Wright, human resource manager for Empire, said, “What better way to give back to the community than to put a smile on a child’s face at Christmas.”

Among the charity’s many supporters is Bethany College, which in recent years has held a Christmas tree and wreath auction that has raised more than $3,000 for it.

The trees and wreaths are decorated in various themes by groups affiliated with the college.

Held in conjunction with the lighting of the college’s Christmas tree in Old Main Hall, this year’s event will be held at 6:30 p.m. today.

The toy drive also is supported by fundraisers held by the deputy sheriffs association, including a four-man golf scramble held in the spring and in years past, a Night at the Races held in the fall.

In addition to Conley, the group is headed by Kristen Richmond-Siranovic, its president; and Nick Alexander, its vice president.

Kazienko continued the drive for many years, even after he was elected sheriff and county commissioner and diagnosed with cancer, which took his life in 2011.

He often remarked that while it had been named for him, he was one part of a team that made it happen.

He also noted it was inspired by his late uncle, Hillman “Izzy” Isinghood, who was known for repairing used toys for children in need.

Wright said Empire will be offering area residents another way to give to others this Christmas when it hosts an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Bluewave Center.

The center is the former Follansbee Middle School, which is home to Empire and several other businesses.

Those interested in participating in the blood drive may schedule an appointment by visiting

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results. For information, call (304) 202-7077.