Crystal Lake police host Toys for Tots collection

In 1947, the Toys for Tots Program began when Major Bill Hendricks, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and a group of Marine Corps reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

Since its inception 60-plus years ago, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 313 million toys to 151 million children.

For many years, the Crystal Lake Police Department has been a local participant in such a great cause.

Without the contributions from local residents, this program would not be successful. This year, the police department will be at it again.

Now through Monday, Dec. 17, anyone who wishes to donate a toy can come to the Crystal Lake Police Department, 100 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, and drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the Toys for Tots box in the lobby.

The police department's lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; closed weekends and holidays.

Donated toys go to serve children in McHenry County.

For more information, contact Officer Eddie Pluviose, community relations officer, at (815) 356-3731 or epluviose@crystallake.org.

For additional information on Toys for Tots Program, visit www.toysfortots.org.