Holiday Giving in Elmhurst: Making Spirits Bright Through Local Donations

Toys For Tots is now accepting local donations in the town of  Elmhurst, providing children with a magical Christmas.

Throughout the town of Elmhurst, streets are aglow with twinkling lights, stores are bustling with shoppers, and the air is filled with the joyful melodies of carols. Most importantly, fire stations are open to donations for every child in the community.

“There’s truly nothing more rewarding than giving back. These kids deserve a happy Christmas we want to help make that happen” said Elmhurst Fire Station receptionist, Lauren.

Children craft their wish lists for Santa and strive to be on their best behavior, hoping to receive the gifts they’ve been dreaming about. For some children, that list consists of a new PS5 or a nice pair of hockey skates, while others simply want new socks or even a winter coat.

Not all children are fortunate enough to have a Christmas where they receive fun toys, rather than essential needs. This is why Elmhurst has created donation centers for peers to come together to make that happen.

Toys For Tots is a charitable program run by the US Marine Corps that collects and distributes new gifts to children, throughout the holiday season.

For many families facing financial challenges, providing gifts for their children is not always possible, and Toys for Tots ensures that no child feels forgotten during this special time of year. They have partnered with Elmhurst Fire Department to make this Christmas magic come to life.

These gifts can be collected at Fire Station #1, 404 N. York Street, Fire Station #2, 601 S. York Street, and City Hall 209 N. York St, until December 13th.

“It’s a really simple process. My family and I have done it for the last 5 years. You can ring the doorbell and go inside, or sometimes they have boxes set up in between the main doors of the station” said Kayla Daros, an EU student who was eager to explain the process.

The gifts donated can range from any price you desire and are greatly appreciated by the children.

“Last year we cleared out our basement right before Christmas. The amount of untouched toys we had was ridiculous. My mom and I decided to drop them off at the station. I figured, if I’m not going to get good use out of them, I really hope someone else can” said Eleanore Lobrillo, another EU student who looks forward to donating each year.

More than just providing a toy, the program brings children a sense of belonging, stability, and care. By uniting communities through generous acts, Toys for Tots captures the true spirit of giving and highlights the lasting impact of kindness.

With less than a month until Christmas, it’s important to go out there now and make a difference in your community. Every toy has its purpose, and every child deserves a magical Christmas.