Elgin Salvation Army, Community Crisis Center teaming for the holidays

With the COVID-19 pandemic expected to create an even greater need than usual, the Salvation Army Elgin Corps Community Center and The Community Crisis Center are combining forces for the holidays to provide toys to local children in need.

The organizations are launching a unified assistance program called "Elgin's Hope for the Holidays" to provide toys for kids under the age of 15. Last year, the two organizations provided toys to more than 1,300 families, a figure they hope to increase by a couple hundred through sharing resources.

"Working together will streamline services, avoid duplication and allow us to meet the increased needs," Captain Linnea Forney, corps officer at the Salvation Army Elgin Corps, said in an announcement of the partnership. "By combining efforts, we hope to ease the burden for a greater number of parents who may be faced with difficult choices between making rent and putting food on the table, or buying toys for their children."

LaTonya Walker, executive director of the Community Crisis Center, said the agency's clients have never had more of a need for assistance than now.

"Our ultimate goal is for children to have an enjoyable holiday and to provide relief to families," she said. "During COVID, we've read a lot about 'Together We Can' and this year's event will exemplify that concept."

As part of the combined effort, all toys will be picked up at The Salvation Army Elgin Corps. The organizations said families are encouraged to call now to schedule an appointment. Registration will be by appointment only from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30. Walk-ins are not accepted to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, and guests, and that all health guidelines are followed.

Families with children in the following ZIP codes are eligible to register: 60110, 60118, 60120, 60121, 60123, 60124, 60136, 60140, 60177. For more information or to make an appointment, contact either The Salvation Army at (847) 741-2304, ext. 302, or the Community Crisis Center at (847) 742-4088, ext. 304.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations of new toys at 316 Douglas Ave. Rick Reigner, resource development director, said organizations interested in partnering can contact either the Salvation Army or The Community Crisis Center.