Toys for Tots in DuPage County comes to campus

A toy at the bottom of the tree on Christmas day can make a child’s wish come true. Since 1947, the U. S. Marine Corps Reserves volunteers its time in many neighborhoods to make sure that every child wakes up to find a gift. They do it through a program called Toys for Tots. In 2019, DuPage County Toys for Tots distributed 74,809 toys to 24,156 children. This year, NCC is working with Toys for Tots to help America’s less fortunate.

DuPage county donations

Anyone can make in-person donations through various locations listed on the Toys for Tots local website. The last day for toy donations at all in-person drop sites for DuPage County is Dec. 12.

NCC donations

There is a white box in the campus store from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in person. The drop site will be open until Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.

“For Toys for Tots, people can donate new and unwrapped toys at the campus store, but if they don’t feel comfortable, they can donate online,” said Lisa Hynes, the campus store assistant manager.

Online donations

Online donations can be made at You Give Goods until Nov. 30. Donors will get an email tax receipt after their purchase, and the order will be shipped directly to Toys for Tots after the last day. The program set a goal of 5,000 items for DuPage county.

Financial donations

For people who cannot go to a drop-off location, a financial donation to DuPage county’s Toys for Tots program is possible by mail or online. Checks or money orders made out to Toys for Tots can be sent to Linda Bellow at 20 E. Adams St. in Villa Park. People can also donate online.

“The best thing about donating is knowing that you are giving a gift to someone who was not going to get one,” said Hynes.

More ways to help

Local businesses or organizations interested in becoming a toy drop-off site can visit Become a Toy Drop Site. They can also register online if they want to host a Toys for Tots event. DuPage County is taking online applications for volunteers in areas like warehouses, transportation and marines. The last day to register for these opportunities is Nov. 23.