Lombard firefighters help children in need with holiday toy drive

The Lombard Fire Department has launched its holiday toy drive, a 20-year tradition that culminates with a Main Street parade.

Firefighters are collecting new toys and baby supplies such as formula and diapers for three area nonprofit groups: the Teen Parent Connection, First Things First and the Lombard-Villa Park Food Pantry.

Residents are encouraged to bring unopened toys and items for donation to Lombard village hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave.; Fire Station No. 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road; and Fire Station No. 44, 2020 S. Highland Ave.

Collection bins also will be available at the Lombard Ace Hardware, 837 Westmore/Meyers Road; Clark Orthodontics, 23 N. Main St.; Sunset Knolls Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road; and Madison Meadows Athletic Center, 500 E. Wilson. Schools in Lombard Elementary District 44 and Villa Park Elementary District 45 also will collect items.

In addition, firefighters will accept toy donations during the parade, which will step off at station No. 45 at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. The route will proceed south on Main Street to Glenbard East High School. Donations will then be brought to Yorktown Shopping Center for sorting.

For details, visit villageoflombard.org/toyparade.