The Village of Park Forest’s Commission on Human Relations has begun its annual Toy Drive to assist local families during the holiday season. The initiative is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children between the ages of 2 and 13 at Village Hall, located at 350 Victory Drive, through Friday, November 21.
Toys gathered from the drive will be distributed at a giveaway event scheduled for December 6. All available spaces for families wishing to receive toys have already been filled.
Community Relations Manager Evelyn Randle explained that demand was high this year, with registration closing just two days after it opened. “We filled up so quickly this year,” Randle said. “That tells us how many families in Park Forest are feeling the strain right now and why community support for this drive is more important than ever.”
According to Randle, approximately 100 children from Park Forest will benefit from this year’s effort. The program also received a $1,000 donation from ComEd to help purchase additional toys for those in need. “The holiday season can be a financial challenge for many, and ComEd’s donation will allow us to make sure more children in Park Forest have a gift to open this year,” Randle said. “It really makes a difference.”
Randle urged residents to keep contributing new toys, stating: “We’re asking everyone who can to please bring a new, unwrapped toy and drop it off at the Economic Development & Planning Department on the second floor of Village Hall — it’s the first window on the right-hand side,” she said. “Every single donation helps brighten the holidays for a child in our community.”
Residents seeking further information are encouraged to call 708-283-5621.
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