Toy run brings holidays to kids in hospitals

Dillon Shoemaker admits he didn't know how to react Friday morning when he got some surprise visitors at Edward Hospital in Naperville.

"I was up until like 12:30 last night," the 17-year-old Naperville resident said. "All of a sudden, Santa and Ronald McDonald are coming into my room. What's going on?"

It turns out Dillon's hospital room was the first of many visited by Ronald, Santa and numerous others during the DuPage County Police Association's annual Christmas Holiday Toy Run.

Fifteen active and retired police officers, as well as two police dogs, spent the day handing out toys to youngsters at five hospitals in DuPage, including Edward, Central DuPage in Winfield and Elmhurst Memorial.

The group left Dillon with a board game and a Best Buy gift card.

"It's a nice way to start the day," he said.

Brightening the holidays for kids is the whole reason the event was started 42 years ago, says Richard Rowe, a retired Naperville police sergeant.

"We wanted to do something for the kids who don't get to go home for the holidays," Rowe said. "When it started out, we did it with Santa and rode around in our squad cars."

Now the event is sponsored by McDonald's Corp. and the police officers who volunteer to participate ride a bus to the hospitals.

Naperville Cmdr. Dave Hoffman said the DuPage County Police Association buys the gifts with money donated by its members.

"It's just something that we like to give back to the community," he said.

Davon Maxey was all smiles when he was showered with attention and gifts, including a White Sox jersey.

"I am going to wear this to school," the 10-year-old Bolingbrook boy said proudly.

Isabella Rito apparently got what she wanted when she was able to pet Rolf, Darien's police dog. The 23-month-old Naperville girl made happy sounds as she gently caressed the German shepherd's back.

"This is my favorite part of the job," said officer Richard Stutte, Rolf's handler. "He loves kids."