Altared States band members, from left, Matthias Horvath, Tim Markle, Mike Tronka, and Keith Loeffler hope to bring joy to Ohio Valley children through their Metal for the Red Kettle toy drive on Saturday, Nov. 23. (Photo Provided)

LANSING — Local metal band Altared States will take the stage at the Moran Family Center in Lansing Saturday, Nov. 23, in hopes of providing for area families in need.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Cleveland metal band Sunless Sky kicking things off at 6 p.m. Local Ohio Valley band Knockbox will follow the Cleveland natives, while Sarah Halter out of Pittsburgh will play next. Washington Pennsylvania band Rituals of Insanity will keep the show going with Ohio Valley natives and concert organizers Altared State closing out the night.

Tickets for the event cost $10 or an unwrapped toy to be donated to the Salvation Army of Belmont County.

The Moran Family Center, formerly Lansing Elementary School and the Lansing Community Center, is located at 68583 Scott St., Lansing.

In addition to regional metal bands performing, Santa will be on hand offering free photos with everyone in attendance.

Altared States guitar player and event organizer Mike Tronka said he wanted to host a toy drive for a local nonprofit and wasn’t sure which would be the best organization to work with. Tronka’s wife, Wendy, used to work for various nonprofit organizations and is friends with the Salvation Army of Belmont County Maj. Louis Patrick, and she believed partnering with his nonprofit would be a perfect fit.

“This will be the third year, and I want to continue to grow it,” Tronka said.

He thanked the businesses that sponsored the show and helped ensure everything would run smoothly. Sponsors include Wells Township Haunted House, Walmart, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Reisbeck’s, C.A. House, Advance Auto Parts, Red Aspen, Hot Rod Tattoos and many more. He added that the Moran Community Center decided to donate the venue space for free so that Tronka wouldn’t have to go out of pocket to secure a venue.

“Nobody’s getting paid for this,” Tronka said. “This is just come play, have a good time, and let’s make some money for the kids. It’s all about the children.”

He added that in the three years the event has been happening, each year he sees about a 30% increase in attendance. He said last year’s event was the most successful so far, though his hopes are high that this year’s event will surpass past events.

In addition to an entry fee, the show will also have a basket raffle that will include gift cards, Metallica Whiskey, Kiss This wine, and several other items to be won.

“It’s all about helping each other and people in need this time of the year,” Tronka said. “A lot of people can’t even pay their bills, let alone start to think about Christmas, so this is a helping hand for those folks.”

He added that if people want to donate but are not interested in the concert, he will be at the Moran Community Center starting at 3 p.m. Saturday and people are more than welcome to drop donations off to him then.