St. Charles man spreads Santa's good will

Jim Wheeler of St. Charles began buying toys for disadvantaged children 24 years ago.

"My wife encouraged me to do it," Wheeler said. "We started when my children were little. But we found out we needed a place to drop off the toys. No one was distributing them."

That's when Wheeler got the St. Charles Salvation Army involved.

"I wanted the toys to stay in the community and I knew the Salvation Army took care of the Tri-Cities," said Wheeler, pro manager of the Pottawatomie Golf Course.

Wheeler's modest efforts grew into Tri-Cities Toys for Kids, a major operation that brings toys, clothes and school items to hundreds of deserving area families.

He estimates that 800 to 1,000 children benefit each year. The donated items are brought to the Salvation Army, where families who demonstrate need can select toys and clothes for their children.

Although he hesitates to name his biggest helpers because they are numerous, Wheeler is particularly grateful to the city of St. Charles, and to the St. Charles school district and park district.

"The park district has allowed me to do this in conjunction with my job during the holiday season," Wheeler said. "The city supports it and publicizes it. I'm really grateful for this."

Then there's Bernie Deutsch of Ray's Evergreen.

"Local businesses donate items and Bernie auctions them off every year, and the proceeds go to buy toys," Wheeler explained. "This year they raised $7,100. I think they've raised $120,000 over the years.

"A lot of people collect in their neighborhoods," Wheeler said. "Or they ask for toys for their birthdays, rather than presents for themselves. There are so many good stories. It touches people in different ways. I say if the feeling hits, give me a call."

New toys can be dropped off at the Salvation Army at 1710 S. Seventh Ave. today and Thursday.

For information, call Wheeler at (630) 584-8356.