Hoffman Estates teams with local church to seek 2,000 toy donations for local kids in need

Hoffman Estates officials are joining forces with Harvest Community Church to seek the public's help in collecting 2,000 toys by Friday, Dec. 1, for an upcoming Holiday Gift Market for financially struggling families in the village.

The young students expected to benefit have either been identified through social workers or attend a local school without an active parent-teacher organization.

The architects of the newly arranged effort hope residents who can help will quickly respond to the need.

"Harvest Community Church is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the families in the Hoffman Estates who are struggling financially," church administrator Jeannie Lee said in a statement. "We are excited to host this toy drive in preparation for a Holiday Gift Market where families can buy Christmas gifts for their children for just $2 per item. The Gift Market is intended to give these families dignity and joy this holiday season."

Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod suggested businesses in the village can significantly help organizers meet their goal.

"This is a great opportunity for large and small businesses to give back in a significant way," he said. "From Pokemon gift sets to art kits, to scooters and skateboards, we're looking for it all."

The Holiday Gift Market will allow parents to purchase up for six new items at $2 each. Volunteers will be available to monitor kids, who can play games or make crafts while their parent or caregiver shops.

The nominal fee for the toys will go directly to a fund for school supplies and other student- or family-related needs, officials said.

A gift-wrapping station will be manned to allow families to take home their purchases wrapped. Donations of wrapping materials would also be helpful.

All donations are requested to be dropped off at one of three locations by Dec. 1:

• Harvest Community Church, 2060 Stonington Ave. in Hoffman Estates, can receive drop-offs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or another time can be scheduled by calling (224) 635-2903.

• The General Government Office on the second floor of village hall, 1900 Hassell Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• The Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, is open 24 hours a day for drop-offs through Dec. 1.