Donor saves Chicago Toys for Tots with $25K

CHICAGO — An anonymous donor has contributed $25,000 to Toys for Tots Chicagoland to cover funds missing in an alleged embezzlement.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the donor insisted on remaining anonymous when he came in with a check. The man wanted his donation to commemorate Sid Luckman, a Chicago Bears quarterback from the 1940s.

Bridgeview police have been investigating the alleged embezzlement of $25,000 from the group by a volunteer. No charges have been filed.

The $25,000 represented about a year’s worth of cash donations to the organization.

Toys for Tots treasurer Janet Malpede says the phone has been ringing with offers to help since news of the alleged embezzlement became public. Another donor gave $1,000 in toys.

The charity is run nationally by the Marine Corps Reserve.