Lombard firefighters to launch holiday toy drive

A long-running Lombard tradition — the fire department’s holiday toy drive — will return the day after Thanksgiving.

Donation bins will be available throughout town starting Friday, Nov. 28. Collection sites include the fire stations on St. Charles Road and Highland Avenue; village hall, Sunset Knoll Recreation Center; Madison Meadow Athletic Center; the Helen Plum Library; Lombard Ace Hardware; Clark Orthodontics; the ThomKat clothing boutique; Brust Funeral Home; state Rep. Margaret DeLaRosa’s office; and Yorktown Center shopping mall.

Organizers request new, unwrapped toys, sports equipment, formula, wipes and diapers. Donations of toys and baby supplies will go toward Toy Express and Teen Parent Connection. Cash donations are also welcome and may be dropped off at either Lombard fire station.

“Each year, we’re reminded of the generosity and kindness of our community as people come together to help others,” said Lombard Firefighter and Paramedic Rob Blockinger in a statement. “This event is a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit, and we invite everyone to participate by donating or joining us at the Toy Parade.”

The festive parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 13. The procession will depart Fire Station No. 45 (50 E. St. Charles Road) at around 10:15 a.m. and continue south on Main Street to Glenbard East High School. Lombardians can line up along the route to donate gifts, which will then be taken to Yorktown for sorting and distribution.