The Village of Niles and the Niles Fire Department announce the official kickoff to the 11th annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve/Village of Niles Toys for Tots Drive & Community Food Drive. Toys for Tots is a charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that provides toys to children in need during the holiday season. In years past, Niles residents and employees have demonstrated their spirit of giving and generosity and in 2013 helped to provide toys to 101 local children. We anticipate that the local need for toys and food will continue to rise and are hoping for the most successful collection of food and toys this year.
Toys for Tots embodies the true spirit of the holiday season. For children in need, a new toy is a treasure to hold and enjoy. The gift of a shiny new toy to a child means that someone cares and that they were not forgotten. Every child deserves a special holiday and your donation can make a difference. Over its life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Program distributed over 469 million toys to over 216 million less fortunate children.
The following Niles locations will be collecting non-perishable food items benefiting Niles Family Services and new toy donations during regular business hours beginning October 30 thru December 16, 2014:
Niles Village Hall 1000 Civic Center Drive,
Niles Fire Department 8360 W. Dempster Street & 6611 Jarvis,
Niles Teen Center 373 Golf Mill Center,
Niles Police Department 7000 W. Touhy,
Niles Senior Center 999 Civic Center Drive,
Niles Public Library at 6960 W. Oakton, and
Parkway Bank 7601 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
Per the U.S. Marine Corps guidelines, all toys must be new and unwrapped. Used toys cannot be distributed.
Donations are deeply appreciated by the USMC, the Village of Niles and most importantly by the families and children who will receive the donations.