Lombard Fire Department collects donations for its 22nd annual toy drive

The Lombard Fire Department is hosting its 22nd annual Toy Drive through Dec. 15. The drive will end with the Toy Parade on Saturday, Dec. 16. Residents are invited to participate and help spread holiday cheer by donating new, unwrapped toys and baby supplies to help local families in need.

Toy drive collection bins are now available at several locations, including Lombard Village Hall (255 E. Wilson Ave.), Fire Station 45 (50 E. St. Charles Road), Fire Station 44 (2020 S. Highland Ave.), Sunset Knolls Recreation Center (820 S. Finley Road), Madison Meadows Athletic Center (500 E. Wilson Ave.), Helen Plum Library (110 W. Maple St.), Lombard ACE Hardware (837 Westmore Meyers Road) and Clark Orthodontics (23 N. Main St.).

Requested items include new toys (unwrapped), sports equipment, formula, wipes, and diapers. Donations will benefit Toy Express and Teen Parent Connection.

Cash donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at either Lombard Fire Station.

"We're excited to kick off our 22nd year of collecting toys and essential items to bring joy to local families," said Lombard Firefighter and Paramedic Rob Blockinger. "Every year, we witness the kindness of our town as people come together to give back and help those in need. This event is an excellent way to embrace the holiday spirit, and we encourage everyone to participate by making a donation or joining us at the toy parade."

Residents are invited to attend the Toy Parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. The fire department will depart Fire Station 45 (50 E. St. Charles Road) at 10:15 a.m. and proceed south on Main Street to Glenbard East High School.

Residents may line up along southbound Main Street to donate gifts, up to Glenbard East High School, 1014 S Main St. Donations will then be brought to Yorktown Shopping Center for sorting.

For more information, visit www.villageoflombard.org/toydrive.