Elgin holiday toy giveaway still seeks toys, ends today

Donations for the 13th annual Elgin Community Holiday Toy Giveaway ends at 10 a.m. today at the Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Ave. in Elgin.

As in previous years, the community is encouraged to participate in the toy giveaway by depositing new, unwrapped toys for Elgin-area families in need at the holiday tree, in the casino lobby. There is a great need for toys suitable for children ages 10 and older.

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

The Community Crisis Center reports that last year's toy giveaway made it possible for it to serve more than 930 families. The center 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 today and taken to Hemmens auditorium for distribution between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Volunteers are needed. For information on how to get involved, call the Community Crisis Center at (847) 697-2380.