Lombard Toy Drive kicks off Nov. 28
When a parade marches down Main Street, it usually aims to spread joy to those who line the route. But when the Lombard Fire Department's Toy Parade rolls from St. Charles Road to Wilson Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 10, its goal will be to collect joy from the onlookers.
The Toy Parade is the final collection in the department's annual Toy Drive, which begins Monday, Nov. 28. Residents are encouraged to bring toys and items to Lombard fire stations and the village hall for donation. Then, firefighters will collect toys from residents along Main Street on Dec. 10 and bring them to Yorktown Shopping Center for a gift collecting event featuring a live broadcast with Dick Biondi and WLS-FM 94.7.
Beginning Nov. 28, toy drive collection bins will be available in five locations:
• Lombard Village Hall, 255 E. Wilson;
• Fire Station 1, 50 E. St. Charles Road;
• Fire Station 2, 2020 S. Highland Ave.;
• Yorktown Shopping Center, 203 Yorktown Center; and
• Schroeder's Ace Hardware, 837 Westmore/Meyers Road.
Lombard Elementary District 44 students also collect toys.
Requested items include new, unwrapped toys as well as baby supplies such as formula and diapers. Items collected will benefit the Teen Parent Connection, First Things First and the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry.
"We're so happy that this event continues to grow each year. What better way to give back to the community that we call home? Some of us are from Lombard and some of us might live in other towns, but every one of these firefighters calls Lombard home," said Lombard firefighter and paramedic Ben Speck.
"We love this village, and this is a great chance for residents to spread some holiday joy to local kids and families in need."
The Toy Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10 for the final collection of items. The parade begins at Main Street and St. Charles Road and will proceed to Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., Lombard.
Firefighters and volunteers will collect toys along the parade route on the west side of the street and bring items to Yorktown Center, where the toys will be unloaded. The event will continue with a live broadcast from WLS-FM 94.7 and Dick Biondi, and family games and raffles.
"As members of the community, our team seeks ways to lift our neighbors in need, and are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Lombard firefighters for this meaningful event," said Erin Falbo, marketing manager for Yorktown Center.
"We invite the community to give as they can throughout the Toy Drive and then join us on Dec. 10 for a day of family fun and holiday entertainment."
Cash donations are also being accepted and may be dropped off at either fire station. For information, contact firefighter Joshua Hays at (630) 620-5734 or haysj@villageoflombard.org, or call Assistant Chief Jerry Howell at (630) 620-5761.
If you go
What: Lombard Toy Parade
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Main Street, from St. Charles Road to Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., Lombard
Cost: Donations of new, unwrapped toys and baby items requested
Info: (630) 620-5734 or (630) 620-5762