Ohio Valley Counts Its Blessings | News, Sports, Jobs

Residents shopping in the Wheeling area Tuesday took time to share some of what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

While working at the Valley Cheese shop at Centre Market, Racheal Todd of Wheeling said she was thankful for being employed and more.

“I’m thankful we have jobs, health and sanity,” she said.

One of Todd’s co-workers, Angel Beaver of McMechen, said is also thankful for her employment.

photo by: Shelley Hanson

Racheal Todd, left, and her mother Diana Todd pause for a photo while working at Valley Cheese at Centre Market on Tuesday. Rachel Todd says she’s thankful for her health and her job this Thanksgiving.

“I’m thankful for my job, health and my family,” Beaver said.

While shopping for Mancini bread and other items at the Centre Market on Tuesday, Wheeling resident Thomas Gilson had several things he was thankful for.

“I’m thankful for my family, kids and wife,” he said. “And the generous people in my life who have helped us stay afloat during difficult times financially.”

Gilson noted his family has a Thanksgiving tradition; each person at the dinner table takes a turn saying what they’re thankful for.

While enjoying his Coleman’s fish sandwich, Wellsburg resident Vernon Smith said he was thankful for the upcoming presidential election in about two years.

photo by: Shelley Hanson

The Rev. Harry Croft, left, pastor of Marwin Church of the Nazarene, poses at the Elm Grove McDonald’s with his wife Florence and son Nelson Croft on Tuesday. Rev. Croft says he’s thankful for his family, his faith and his country.

“I’m thankful if Donny Trump gets elected. This one isn’t working out,” he said of current President Joe Biden.

The Rev. Harry Croft, pastor of Marwin Church of the Nazarene, said he was thankful for many things including the bible studies he and other members of his church hold weekly at the Elm Grove McDonald’s.

“I’m thankful for my kids and grandkids. I have a grandson and three granddaughters,” Croft said.

He noted he is thankful for being able to help people through his church’s ministry. He added that people sometimes take each other for granted.

“We should show love for one another,” Croft said.

He noted he was also thankful to be living in the United States.

“Even though we have some problems it’s still the best country in the world, and I’m thankful for that,” Croft said.