"Sometimes things linger until there's a spark," says Walt Meder, a 90-year-old Arlington Heights man whose idea about a toy drive caught fire under the direction of M. Eileen Brown, the Daily Herald's assistant vice president and director of strategic marketing and innovation.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

"Sometimes things linger until there's a spark," says Walt Meder, a 90-year-old Arlington Heights man whose idea about a toy drive caught fire under the direction of M. Eileen Brown, the Daily Herald's assistant vice president and director of strategic marketing and innovation.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Touched by the kindness he received throughout his life, Walt Meder, 90, of Arlington Heights, hugs M. Eileen Brown, the Daily Herald's assistant vice president and director of strategic marketing and innovation, to celebrate the launching of a new charitable effort to provide holiday gifts to needy kids.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

"Sometimes things linger until there's a spark," says Walt Meder, a 90-year-old Arlington Heights man whose idea about a toy drive caught fire under the direction of M. Eileen Brown, the Daily Herald's assistant vice president and director of strategic marketing and innovation.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

The kindness of strangers helped Walt Meder during his arduous childhood. Now the 90-year-old Arlington Heights resident is joining with Daily Herald Assistant Vice President M. Eileen Brown to launch a Hope for the Holidays campaign to benefit the children of homeless and abused women served by WINGS.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer