Officials with the Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company played Santa for some needy kids in the Edison Local School District and donated gifts at Stanton Elementary.

   Brian Zorne, tri-state branch manager for Hilscher-Clarke, said the company conducted a fundraiser to give back to those in need.

  “We have seven branches and all of the branches decided to benefit the community. We brainstormed and decided to take donations, then divided the money to go shopping,” said Zorne. “We reached out at each school district and they contacted us with a family. We adopted families from Edison, Indian Creek, Steubenville and Toronto.”

    He added that the districts provided lists of ideas and sizes and his daughters acted as elves by assisting him in procuring presents, then employees wrapped the gifts for distribution. The gifts and a basket of cleaning supplies were contributed to Stanton and will benefit four children from a family in the school system.

    Zorne said it was the reason for the season and the company was happy to spread some holiday cheer.

   “We were glad to help. It’s a good feeling and you feel better for giving,” he added.

   Stanton Principal Shannah Scotch was appreciative of the generosity.

   “I’m extremely grateful,” Scotch commented.  “The need is there and I know it will be appreciated.”

    Hilscher-Clarke, which has locations from Canton to Columbus, provides service for commercial businesses and industrial oil and gas. About 35 people are employed at the Toronto office and served local sites such as Trinity Health Systems and JSW Steel in Mingo Junction.