Lombard firefighters preparing for 12th annual toy drive

Lombard Fire Department’s 12th annual toy drive and parade are set to begin soon after Thanksgiving.

Beginning Nov. 26, collection bins will be in place at various drop-off locations including village hall, Fire Station 1 at 50 E. St. Charles Road, Fire Station 2 at 2020 S. Highland Ave., the Lombard Jewel on Main Street and Schroeder’s Ace Hardware. The fire department also is partnering with Lombard Elementary District 44 schools to collect items.

Items to be collected include unwrapped new toys, as well as baby supplies such as formula and diapers. Collected items will benefit the Teen Parent Connection, The Outreach House and the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry.

The annual fire department toy parade will be Saturday, Dec. 8, for last-minute donations. Fire vehicles and firefighters will begin the parade at 10:30 a.m. from Main Street and St. Charles Road and proceed to Glenbard East High School.

Firefighters and volunteers will collect toys along the parade route on the west side of the street only as far as Glenbard East High School. After that, the parade will continue on to Yorktown Shopping Center, where the toys will be unloaded on the upper level near Carson’s.

“I am really excited to again be a part of such a great event that began years ago to help those in need experience the joy of the holidays, something that everyone deserves,” said Joshua Hayes, Lombard firefighter/paramedic who is organizing the toy drive and parade. “Despite tough times for all, each year it is great to see that people continue to generously give to the Lombard Fire Department Toy Drive.

“Due to the support of both the leadership of the fire department and the hard work of many of our members, the event continues to be a great success,” he said.

Cash donations also are being accepted and may be dropped off at either fire station. For details, call (630) 620-5734.