Still time to bring the spirit of giving to Toys For Tots

West Chicago, Illinois: December 19, 2013 - West Chicago resident and business owner Debi Inch not only teaches the youngsters that come to her home music studio how to play the piano, she also teaches them lessons on giving to those less fortunate. For the past three years, Inch has organized a Christmas toy drive to support the West Chicago Police Department's Toys for Tots campaign. Over forty gifts, which will find their way to the grateful hearts of the community's neediest children, were collected and handed off to Sergeant Mike Zepeda this week at Inch's studio during her annual Christmas student recitals.

Toys for Tots, an organization founded by the U.S. Marine Corps, was chosen because of Inch's own connection to the U.S. military. Her son Billy, graduated from the United States Naval Academy, and after five years and two long deployments, has been teaching at the Navel Academy since July, 2013. Her daughter Jessica also served, as a musician in the U.S. Marine Corps Band in San Diego for four years.

"My husband Joel and I are very proud military parents! I was looking for a way to give back and found out about the West Chicago Toys for Tots drive. I contacted Sgt. Zepeda and 3 years ago began a tradition in my piano studio of giving toys to our community's children. We are so excited every year to be a part of this Toys for Tots drive. My studio families, as I fondly call them, very enthusiastically participate and help the children of West Chicago," Inch explained.

Sergeant Zepeda would like the community to know that although the original deadline for bringing unwrapped toys to the Police Station at 325 Spencer Street is December 20, 2014, toys will be accepted for a short period of time for those last minute requests. Donated toys should be placed in the decorated box in the front lobby. Any questions about the program should be directed to Sergeant Mike Zepeda at (630) 293-2222.