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Dec 3, 2008 5:59 pm US/Central
Local Charities Need Toys To Spread Holiday Cheer
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
This is the time of year people open their hearts and their pocketbooks to make sure needy youngsters have something to celebrate.
Only this year, a change in a time-honored program is making gift-giving more challenging.
You have to prepare when you invite 500 children to come out and celebrate the holiday by making sure they get what they need and they often need a lot.
"One little boy came through the sock line and he said I'm glad to get socks because I only have two, one on this foot and one on that foot," President of the Fox Lake/Round Lake Rotary Club, Kay Starostovic said.
There is good news though.
For the party, the Fox Lake/Round Lake Rotary has all the necessities covered including stockings filled with school supplies. The one fun element missing is the toys.
They've gotten them in the past from Toys for Tots in northern Lake County.
However, in this economy, requests are up and donations are down.
"Every child is getting a toy. Not one child is going to two or three locations to get more than one toy," Toys for Tots Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Kemery said.
He says that happened last year. So this year, it's individual sign ups and no group gift distribution.
"We thought it was secured for this year and found out ten days ago they had a policy change," said Fire Chief of the Greater Round Lake Fire District, Paul Maplethorpe.
The Rotary Club didn't get the notification that went out. Members say they understand, but they can't disappoint the little ones.
"It's just a horribly sad feeling," one member said.
They have collected about 200 new toys and need at least 500 for boys and girls for the party on Sunday, December 7,2008.
They're spreading the word and discovering something they already knew- people have hearts and they are donating gifts.
The Staff Sergeant with Toys for Tots also hopes for more donations so everyone can have a truly happy holiday.
If you want to donate to the Fox Lake/Round Lake Rotary Club send or drop of donations to:
26725 W. Molidor Road
Ingleside, IL 60041. 847-740-2233
Or go to
toysfortots.org and go to "toy drops offs" and follow the directions.
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