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Mt. Prospect fire chief thanks community for Toys for Kids donations

The Mount Prospect Fire Department Toys for Kids Program enjoyed another successful year in 2017, thanks to the generosity of the Mount Prospect community. Mount Prospect families who need a helping hand are served by this program, relieving some of the stress and financial burden they are facing at this time of year and making the holidays brighter for them.

Each year, Human Services Department staff review the financial assessments that qualify the children and families to participate in the program. Residents and businesses were invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys or gift cards to any Mount Prospect Fire Station. Fire Department personnel and volunteers help to sort and prepare gift bags for the families.

The families were invited to Fire Station 14 on Saturday, Dec. 16, for a chance to meet Santa and pick up their gifts. Each family receives a bag full of age appropriate toys. Over 300 children from 125 families were served by the program this year.

Mount Prospect firefighters and staff from the village's Human Services Department serve cookies and hot chocolate.

"A gift or two may not seem like much, but it can mean the world to these children. For some it may be the only gift they receive," said Julie Kane, director of Human Services. "We want to thank the members of the Mount Prospect community for their donations and helping to make the holidays a little brighter for these kids."

"This program is a great partnership between the Human Services and Fire Departments," said Fire Chief Brian Lambel. "The looks on the kids' faces is priceless. We appreciate the community's overwhelming support and kindness at this time of year. It really reminds you of what it's all about."

"I especially want to thank shift personnel for putting this all together, especially Matt Pastori and Kyle Laurinaitis for coordinating the program," Lambel said. "Special thanks also goes to members of the Mount Prospect Jaycees for volunteering their time to help assemble the gift bags."

The fire department conducts the Toys for Kids Program each year, with toy and gift card donations being accepted from November through the first week of December. The toy distribution usually occurs the second Saturday of December. This is the 21st year the program has been in effect.

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