Toys For Tots: How To Help In Plainfield This Season

PLAINFIELD, 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 Plainfield.

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 Will, Kendall and Grundy counties, 38,644 toys were distributed to 26,856 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 Plainfield:

• Hawk Mazda, 2421 S. Route 59 in Plainfield, until Dec. 20
• Hawk Subaru, 2401 S. Route 59 in Plainfield, until Dec. 20
• Plainfield Fire Protection District, 24 135th St. in Plainfield, until Dec. 20
• Sixteen 30 Apartments, 14750 S. Wallin Drive in Plainfield, until Dec. 20
• Plainfield Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport St., until Dec. 20

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