In case you haven’t heard, Toys for Tots is in need of our help and support. Our local Cook County location is in need of thousands of more toys. If their goal is not reached, this year may be the first that they are unable to give a toy to every child in need who requests one.
Toys for Tots started in 1947 in Los Angeles, and their first collection received 5,000 toys. Today, the nonprofit has hundreds of chapters across the country and this year hopes to distribute toys to at least 7 million children in need nation wide. They are also one of the few nonprofits who can say that less than 3 percent of their donations go toward fundraising and overhead, meaning that 97 percent goes toward their mission and 0 percent goes toward salaries or other payments.
Time is of the essence — there is less than a week to get your donations in, so get out there and get shopping for this incredible cause and worthy nonprofit.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, Dec. 16 is the latest that they can receive toy donations to ensure that the gifts can be delivered in time for Christmas. Donations must be new toys, preferably not stuffed animals, in their original packaging and unwrapped.
To find a drop off location near you, go to chicago-il.toysfortots.org or donate online here.
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