Oswego community unites to spread holiday cheer with Toys for Tots drive

The Oswego Fire Protection District and Oswego School District 308 came together for the Toys for Tots program in early November to spread some holiday cheer.

Toys for Tots, a nonprofit run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to children in need during the holiday season, according to a news release from the school district.

“The Toys for Tots program is a vital initiative that brings joy and hope to children in need during the holiday season,” said Lt. Kris Kearns of the Oswego Fire Protection District in an email. “By providing toys to kids who might otherwise go without, the program ensures every child can experience the magic of the holidays.”

Oswego junior high students brought gifts to school for this cause. Everyone who donated was entered into a raffle, and the winners attended a breakfast hosted by the fire protection district on Friday, Dec. 13.

Many students were joined by their families at this event. The district’s five junior high schools collected 1,466 toys to be donated, and the community gathered an estimated total of nearly 7,000 items.

“By coming together, we ensure that every child experiences the joy of the holiday season while teaching students the value of giving back,” Kearns said. “This program not only brings smiles to children’s faces but also fosters a sense of unity and support across our community, reminding us that when we work together, we can make a lasting impact.”