ChildServ collects holiday gifts for underserved youth in Chicago area

ChildServ, one of the Chicago area's oldest organizations serving children and families made the holiday season brighter by collecting toys, books and gift cards to benefit underserved youth in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties.

For more than a decade, UPS has partnered with ChildServ to offer delivery of Christmas gifts to ChildServ families throughout the Chicago area.

"We are grateful to everyone that sponsored our youth, donated toys and money or volunteered to wrap presents. This holiday gift drive would not have happened without the support from our generous donors and volunteers," said Dan Kotowski, president and CEO of ChildServ. "I want to thank UPS for guaranteeing the wishes of more than 1,000 at-risk children and families are delivered on time and in their homes this holiday season. UPS has been an incredible partner with us for many years."

UPS was honored at ChildServ's recent annual Founder's Day Gala with the Lucy Meyer Humanitarian Award for their commitment to improving the lives of children and young adults through volunteerism, mentoring, leadership and financial support.

"UPS is honored to partner with ChildServ to meet the needs of children and families in our community," said LaRue Martin, UPS community relations manager. "Volunteers from UPS especially enjoy helping with the toy drive every year."

More than 1,300 gifts were collected from the drive and countless volunteers and ChildServ staff sorted and wrapped the holiday gifts at ChildServ's toy drive headquarters. Individual faith communities, businesses and other organizations supported the effort by providing additional donations.

Since 1894, ChildServ has helped children and families build, achieve and sustain better lives. ChildServ provides community-based programs to underserved children and families in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties. Services range from foster care and adoption, trauma counseling, family support groups, and early childhood education, to group homes for youth.

Visit www.childserv.org for more information.