Donate toys, gift cards for kids to help Mount Prospect families

Donate toys or gift cards to the Mount Prospect Toys for Kids program to help area families.

The 25th annual Toys for Kids program offers residents and businesses an opportunity to make the holidays brighter for hundreds of local children. Last year alone, the program assisted approximately 100 families in Mount Prospect.

Mount Prospect Human Services Director Julie Kane discussed the vital need for such community programs that support families in need.

"This event helps to relieve financial stress so parents can enjoy the holidays with their children. For some children, this is one of the few gifts they receive to open on the holiday," said Kane.

Due to the pandemic, a few changes have been made to the program this year. The program will serve those residents who have been assisted by the Emergency Assistance Program. The Fire and Human Services departments have teamed up to adapt the gift distribution to be a drive-through event, where families can drive through to pick up their gifts in order to maintain safe social distancing.

Residents or businesses that would like to make a donation can drop off new, unwrapped toys to any of the Mount Prospect fire stations now through Friday, Dec. 3.

This year, the Toys for Kids program is specifically looking for donations for children ages 9-13. In addition to toys, the donation of gift cards to major department stores is encouraged for older kids, as the program provides gifts for children up to age 17.

"I think the annual Toy Drive has become such a special event for us because it captures what we all signed up to do, help families in need," said Mount Prospect Fire Chief John Dolan.

"Over the past 25 years, Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119 has collected and distributed thousands of gifts each holiday season, and our CERT team has been instrumental in keeping this tradition alive through the pandemic.

"We look forward to working with Human Services to insure all our local families are able to experience the joy of the holidays. We sincerely thank the community for their continued generosity and wish them all a very happy and healthy holiday season."

Toy and gift card donations can be dropped off at:

• Fire Station 12: 1601 W. Golf Road

• Fire Station 13: 111 E. Rand Road (vestibule off Rand Road)

• Fire Station 14: 2000 E. Kensington Road

For information, visit www.mountprospect.org or call (847) 870-5660.