Make a donation to Mount Prospect's Toys for Kids

With the holiday's fast approaching, the 19th annual Toys for Kids program in Mount Prospect has begun.

This year, the Toys for Kids program will benefit more than 300 children in about 125 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.

"This event, made possible by generous donations from the community, helps ease the burden for families in need and provides an opportunity for parents and their children to share in the joy of the holidays," said Kane.

Kane and her staff review the financial assessments that qualify the children and families to participate in the program each year. Families participating in this year's program will be to invited to Fire Station 14 Saturday, Dec. 19, 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.

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

Firefighter Laurinaitis said, "We are fortunate to be involved in such an event. It's both festive and fun, while still allowing us an opportunity to give back and interact with the community."

Residents that would like to make a donation can drop off new, unwrapped toys to any of the Mount Prospect fire stations through Dec. 11. In addition to toys, the donation of gift cards to major department stores is encouraged for the older children. The program provides gifts for children ages 17 and younger.

Mount Prospect Interim Fire Chief Brian Lambel said, "The continuous success of the Toys for Kids Program is from the collaborative efforts of the community, Human Services and the fire department. The village employees and citizens should be proud of their contributions to a better Mount Prospect community."

Donations can be dropped off at:

• Fire Station 12, 1601 W. Golf Road;

• Fire Station 13, 112 E. Northwest Hwy.;

• Fire Station 14, 2000 E. Kensington Road.

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