Naperville school's toy drive gets Quinn's attention

When Naperville school leaders launched a Beanie Babies drive for Iraqi children, they were hoping to collect maybe 500.

But so many people responded to the call, Naperville Unit District 203 leaders wound up with more than 6,000 Beanies.

The toys are being sent overseas in 23 boxes for U.S. troops to hand out. Most have yellow ribbons around them containing messages for the soldiers.

The students' effort now has caught the attention of Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who will honor the district with a Homefront Hero award.

The awards recognize residents and groups who make outstanding efforts to support the troops.

Quinn, who heard about the fall drive after reading a Daily Herald story, will present leaders with the award at a 2 p.m. ceremony Dec. 18 at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. The district is one of 30 groups statewide to be honored.

"We know they've done an amazing job," Quinn spokesman Dan Grant said.

Holidays are hard for soldiers, Grant said, and messages always lift their spirits.

Throughout the collection, district leaders found no shortage of people willing to help, project coordinator Maureen Dvorak said.

"No matter what we asked for, our needs were met," she said. "We're so honored (Lt. Gov. Quinn) would even think of us."

Madison Junior High teacher Brian Bakke said he often talks with students about the progress made in Iraq.

And they seemed to understand the impact such a toy could have there, he said. "They saw a direct connection to the kids there," he said.