Toys For Tots: How To Help In Aurora This Season

AURORA, IL — While you're checking off holiday gifts for family members, don’t forget the kids who aren't on anyone's shopping list and pick up some items for the Toys for Tots campaign in Aurora.

Through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program, anyone can donate new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to less fortunate children at Christmas.

The original Toys for Tots project was founded in 1947 by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, and it became a nonprofit public charity at the behest of the Marine Corps in 1991. The organization is still run exclusively by veteran Marines.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, uses 97 percent of every donation to buy toys for children in need.

Last year in Kane County, 21,995 toys were distributed to 8,741 children who might not otherwise have gotten any Christmas gifts. To date, the Toys for Tots program has distributed 677 million toys to 301 million children.

Here's where you can donate in person in Aurora and North Aurora:

• Aurora Fast Print, 54 E. Galena Blvd.
• Craft Urban, 41 S. Stolp Ave. in Aurora
• Freeway Insurance, 1230 N. Lake St. in Aurora
• ILoca Services, Inc., 9S104 S. Frontenac St. in Aurora
• Little Green Apple Hallmark, 1760 Orchard Gateway Blvd. in North Aurora
• Midas, 4379 Fox Valley Center Drive
• North Aurora Police Department, 200 S. Lincolnway
• Ox Industries, 1601 E. Mountain St. in Aurora
• Premier Tint, 5 Route 59, 1011 E. New York St.
• Pinky Swear - Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave. in Aurora
• Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. in Aurora
• Pure Health Physical Medicine, 2116 W. Galena Blvd. in Aurora
• Randall Highlands, 1241 Ritter St. in North Aurora
• SoleUnique Dance Complex, 1050 Corporate Blvd. in Aurora
• State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, 1677 Montgomery Road in Aurora
• State Sen. Karina Villa, 1177 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora
• Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail in Aurora

Besides dropping off toys at several locations, people who want to support the campaign can also donate online.