Sami's Toy Drive for Kids underway this month in Richland County

A bevy of iHeartMedia Ashland/Mansfield radio stations (WNCO-FM, WXXF-FM, WMAN-AM, WYHT-FM, WFXN-FM, WNCO-AM and WSWR-FM), in partnership with Mechanics Bank, are once again sponsoring a campaign that was created by the late Sam Ramirez to provide children with toys for Christmas. Through Nov. 30, area residents can donate new or gently used toys and monetary donations at all Richland County Mechanics Bank locations.

“The generosity and support of this community runs strong,” said Chris Kelly, vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Ashland/Mansfield. “We ask, and our community answers the call, because no one wants to see a child go without a Christmas present. iHeartMedia Ashland/Mansfield iHeartRADIO will once again lean on our community partners at Buckeye Thrift and Mechanics Bank to make this Christmas magical for hundreds of children throughout Mid-Ohio.”

According to Doug Ferrel, owner of Buckeye Thrift, and Dee Campbell, organizer of Sami’s Toys for Kids, more than 600 children in mid-Ohio received toys last year.

"It was Sam Ramirez’s mission to keep the kindness going every year and to help as many kids as possible have a great Christmas,” said Campbell, Ramirez's former business partner.

“Our generous community continues to show up and help provide gifts for children during the holidays, and we’re incredibly thankful for their giving hearts," Kristi Lord, chief marketing officer at Mechanics Bank, said.

Donations will be distributed to children through Wayfinders of Ohio (formerly Harmony House), the Domestic Violence Shelter of Richland County, Mansfield City Schools S.A.F.E. program, Richland County 211 and Richland County Children’s Services.