Police, Fire Departments Collecting Toys, Coats In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Residents can get into the spirit of giving this holiday season with three different drives being conducted in the village. According to officials, two of them are being run by the fire department and one by local police.

Police Department Toys for Tots

The Arlington Heights Police Department's Toys for Tots campaign runs through Dec. 14. Officials are asking residents to bring new, unwrapped toys to the Arlington Heights Police Department at 200 E. Sigwalt St., or Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, for donation to Toys for Tots Marine Corp Reserve. Email the police department with questions.

"We ask that you please donate an item other than a stuffed animal, as these items cannot be donated to Toys for Tots," officials said in a news release

Fire Department Chicagoland Toys for Tots

Arlington Heights firefighters are also collecting toys through Dec. 15. The Arlington Heights Fire Department is teaming up with the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, as well as School District 25, to help students and families in the district. Bring new, unopened toys for donation to the Toys for Tots Chicagoland box drop-offs in Arlington Heights at:

• Fire Station 1 — 300 East Sigwalt St.
• Fire Station 2 — 1150 N. Arlington Heights Road
• Fire Station 3 — 2000 South Arlington Heights Road
• Fire Station 4 — 3030 North Arlington Heights Road
• Public Works Department — 222 N. Ridge Ave.

Fire Department Coat Drive

In addition to toys, the AHFD is hosting its 13th Annual Coat Drive, which has collected nearly 7,000 coats for residents and students in need, according to officials. The AHDF works directly with with school districts to identify children who need a coat, and they also partner with the Catholic Charities of Des Plaines.

Residents and community groups are encouraged to bring new or gently used coats for donation.

According to officials, U.S. Census data shows that even a two-degree drop in body temperature results in reduced heart rate, loss of coordination, and confusion.

"Adults cannot work effectively, and children find it difficult to learn," officials said. "For most, a warm coat solves the problem. But, for the now nearly 15 percent of Americans living in poverty, a warm winter coat is a budget 'extra.' So let's get those old coats out of the back of the closet and help keep our less-fortunate residents warm this winter."

Toys and coats may be donated at any of the above listed fire stations.