How to donate gifts to Mount Prospect Toys for Kids program

Around this time of the year, children begin to count down the days until the holidays. Let's not forget about families who could use a helping hand to provide their children a memorable holiday experience.

The 20th annual Toys for Kids program in Mount Prospect offers residents and businesses an opportunity to make a direct impact for hundreds of local families. Last year, the Toys for Kids program assisted 318 children from 128 families.

Mount Prospect Human Services Director Julie Kane discussed the vital need for such community programs to support families in need.

"This event helps to relieve financial stress so that parents can enjoy the holidays with their children. For some children, this is one of the few gifts they receive to open on the holiday itself," said Kane.

Each year, the Human Services staff reviews the financial assessments that qualify the children and families to participate in the program. Families participating in this year's program will be to invited to Fire Station 14 on Saturday, Dec. 17, to pick up their toys and visit with Santa Claus. Mount Prospect firefighters and staff from the village's Human Services Department will be serving cookies and hot chocolate.

Residents that would like to make a donation can drop off new, unwrapped toys to any of the Mount Prospect fire stations through Friday, Dec. 9. In addition to toys, the donation of gift cards to major department stores is encouraged for older children, as the program provides gifts for children up to age 17.

Mount Prospect Fire Chief Brian Lambel said, "This event is enjoyed by all involved - the children, parents, firefighters and Village staff. It is the collaborative efforts of the community, Human Services, and the Fire Department that make this event a success each year."

Toy and Gift Card Donations can be dropped off at:

• Fire Station 12: 1601 W. Golf Road

• Fire Station 13: 112 E. Northwest Highway

• Fire Station 14: 2000 E. Kensington Road

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