Mount Prospect Fire Department sponsors Toys for Kids program

During the hectic months of November and December, it can be easy to forget that the holiday season of joy shines differently for many families, depending on their circumstances.

For Mount Prospect firefighters Kyle Laurinaitis and Matt Pastori, however, the holiday season provides an opportunity for the fire department to give back to the community beyond the sworn duties as fire personnel.

Laurinaitis and Pastori are helping to organize the 18th annual Christmas Toys for Kids program, which was established to help underprivileged families in Mount Prospect have a memorable holiday season.

This year, the Toys for Kids program will benefit more than 350 children in about 120 families. Mount Prospect Human Services Director Julie Kane discussed the vital need for toys this holiday season as the demand for these types of programs increases each year.

She and her staff review the financial assessments that qualify the children and families to participate in the program.

"When members of the community donate toys to families in need, it helps take a tremendous burden from parents who would otherwise have to choose between holiday gifts and basic necessities such as food and other living expenses," said Kane.

Families participating in this year's program will be invited to one of the Mount Prospect fire stations Saturday, Dec. 20, to pick up their toys and visit with Santa Claus. Mount Prospect firefighters and staff from the village's Human Services Department will also be serving cookies and hot chocolate.

Laurinaitis said, "It's amazing to see the joy that the kids express during the event. It goes beyond toys. It's an opportunity to have a fun afternoon together and know that the community cares."

Mount Prospect Fire Chief John Malcolm said, "The community response to this program year after year is incredible. It is the residents' generosity that offers families much-needed holiday cheer."

Residents that would like to make a donation can drop off new, unwrapped toys to any of the Mount Prospect fire stations through Dec. 14. In addition to toys, residents can also donate gift cards to major department stores for the older children. The program provides gifts for children ages 17 and younger.

Donations can be dropped off at Fire Station 12, 1601 W. Golf Road; Fire Station 13, 112 E. Northwest Hwy.; and Fire Station 14, 2000 E. Kensington Road.

For information, visit www.mountprospect.org or call (847) 870-5660.

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