West Chicago youth experiences joy of giving

A recent donation to the Toys for Tots program caught the attention of Mike Rosenwinkel, an officer with the West Chicago Police Department. Resident Chris Sower and his son, Tyler, were waiting in the lobby of the Police Station with an armful of toys.

Chris explained that Tyler had recently celebrated his sixth birthday. In keeping with a family tradition that began with his older siblings, guests that attended his birthday party were told, in advance, that their gifts would be donated to a particular charity. Tyler's choice was to donate toys to the Toys for Tots program.

Young Tyler is learning at an early age that “it is better to give than to receive”. Officer Rosenwinkel said, “I was fortunate to experience this event during my shift. I think this selfless act made by one of our smaller citizens should not go unnoticed during this holiday season.”

On behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the West Chicago Police Department has collected new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program. The program attempts to send a message of hope to children in the community who are less fortunate, a message that will help them become more responsible and productive as they grow up. This message of hope comes in the form of a new toy at Christmas time.

Additional ways to donate to the program include donating money online or by mail, donating a vehicle, donating proceeds from online auctions and more. For further information, please visit www.toysfortots.org.