Toys For Tots: How To Help In Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, 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 Lake Forest.

Sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserves since 1991, Toys for Tots is organized locally in Lake County in the Great Lakes area.

Last year in Lake County, 36,148 toys were distributed to 34,950 children who might not otherwise have gotten any Christmas gifts. To date, the Toys for Tots program has distributed 709 million toys to 314 million children.

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

The deadline for toy donations cuts off on Dec. 8-19 for Lake County. Toys for Tots accepts donations at several drop boxes throughout Cook County, to view the full list visit the Toys for Tots website.

Near Lake Forest, drop-off locations are:

• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago - 778 N. Western Ave.
• ICU Medical - 600 North Field Drive
• Kelmscott Park Apartments - 145 Morris Ave.
• Lake Forest Police Department - 255 W. Deerpath
• Deer Valley Apartments - 30011 N Waukegan Rd.
• Lake Bluff Police Department - 45 E Center Ave.
• Pasquesi Home & Gardens - 975 North Shore Drive
• Studio North Men's Hair Design - 28835 N Herky Dr #119

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is an IRS-recognized nonprofit public charity created in 1991. The foundation, created in 1991, uses 97 percent of every donation to buy toys for children in need.