Donate to the Mount Prospect Toys for Kids Program

Many Mount Prospect families can use a helping hand at this time of year to provide their children with a memorable holiday experience.

By donating toys or gift cards to the Mount Prospect Toys for Kids program, you can do just that.

The 26th annual Toys for Kids program offers residents and businesses an opportunity to make the holidays brighter for hundreds of local children. Last year alone, the program assisted approximately 100 families in Mount Prospect.

Mount Prospect Human Services Director Julie Kane discussed the vital need for such community programs that support families in need.

"This event helps to relieve financial stress so parents can enjoy the holidays with their children. For some children, this is one of the few gifts they receive to open on the holiday," said Kane.

Residents or businesses that would like to make a donation can drop off new, unwrapped toys to any of the Mount Prospect fire stations through Dec. 9. This year, they are specifically looking for donations for children ages 9-13. In addition to toys, the donation of gift cards to major department stores is encouraged for older children, as the program provides gifts for children up to age 17.

"The annual toy drive has become such a special event for us because it captures what we all signed up to do, help families in need," said Mount Prospect Fire Chief John Dolan.

"Throughout the history of the program, Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119 has collected and distributed thousands of gifts during the holidays. We look forward to working with Human Services to ensure all our local families are able to experience the joy of the holidays. We sincerely thank the community for their continued generosity and wish them all a very happy and healthy holiday season."

Toy and gift card donations can be dropped off at: Fire Station 12, 1601 W. Golf Road; Fire Station 13, 111 E. Rand Road (vestibule off Rand Road); or Fire Station 14, 2000 E. Kensington Road.

For information, visit www.mountprospect.org or call (847) 870-5660.