Toys For Tots: How To Help In Batavia This Season

BATAVIA, 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 Batavia.

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 Batavia:

• Batavia Moose Lodge, 1535 S. Batavia Ave.
• Bucek Chiropractic, 2562 W. Fabyan Parkway
• Insurance Direct, 113 N. Batavia Ave.
• Ronald A. Murphy, DMD, 1605 W. Wilson St.

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