Algonquin toy sale to benefit refugees

Families from School District 300 as well as other northwest suburbs will host a used toy sale in Algonquin to raise money for refugee children in Kenya, Africa. All of the proceeds will be distributed through Bright Hope International, a relief organization based in Hoffman Estates that seeks to bring hope to people who live on less than $1 a day.

The Kids' Toy Sale is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-23, at 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin on the campus of St. John's Lutheran School.

In addition to used and new toys, the sale will include books, videos, games, puzzles and more, as well as raffle prizes donated from local businesses.

The first Bright Hope International toy sale in 2004 was the idea of a six-year-old who learned of children who were going hungry in Africa and decided to sell her toys as a way to feed them. Since then, an increasing number of families have come together to give away their toys and used items to benefit orphans and even whole communities.

Last year, 40 families participated in this fourth-annual toy sale, which raised more than $4,600 to help 12 Somalian refugee children go to school. This year, the families hope to raise even more money to pay for tuition, books and uniforms for refugee children who would otherwise not be able to attend school.

For more information, call Barb Olsson at (847) 946-2103, email barbolsson@gmail.com or visit www.brighthope.org. To learn more about the Somalian Refugee Project visit Web site http://www.brighthope.org/our_projects/kya0040.php.