Grand Victoria to hold toy drive

Friday marks the start of the 13th annual Elgin Community Holiday Toy Giveaway at the Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Ave. in Elgin.

Coordinated by the Community Crisis Center and a community planning committee, this event is sponsored by the Grand Victoria Casino and the Grand Victoria Foundation, along with co-sponsors The Courier-News and WJKL/WRMN Radio.

Last year, Grand Victoria Foundation presented a check in the amount of $3,700 to the Community Crisis Center. The foundation will make another cash donation this year.

As in previous years, the community is encouraged to participate in the 2007 Community Holiday Toy Giveaway by depositing new, unwrapped toys for Elgin-area families in need at the holiday tree located in the casino's lobby through Dec. 17. There is a great need for toys suitable for children ages 10 and older.

The Community Crisis Center reports that last year's community holiday toy giveaway made it possible for them to serve more than 930 families. They distributed more than 5,000 toys to more than 2,500 children, and organizers expect to have more families in need of toys this year.

Toys will be picked up from the Grand Victoria Casino on Dec. 17 and taken to Hemmens auditorium for distribution on Dec. 18.

Volunteers are needed. For information, call the Community Crisis Center at (847) 697-2380.