Grundy County Land Use Department collects toys, bikes and more for children in need

The Grundy County Land Use Department completed a gift drive for local children in need this holiday season thanks to donations from individuals, schools and local community groups.

The department was able to fill more than 100 boxes of gently used toys, books and games and 25 bags of stuffed animals; collected six bikes; and gathered many large kitchen sets and baby equipment, according to a news release from the department.

The following libraries across the area served as collection sites:

Coal City Public Library – 85 N. Garfield St., Coal City

Morris Public Library – 604 Liberty St., Morris

Minooka Three Rivers Library – 109 N. Wabena Ave., Minooka

Channahon Three Rivers Library – 25207 W. Channahon Drive, Channahon

Fossil Ridge Library – 386 W. Kennedy Road, Braidwood

Park Pointe cleaned and sanitized the stuffed animals that were donated, according to the release.

The Land Use Department expressed special thanks to River’s Edge Academy for all its help from students on the day that Rotary International picked up the toys.

This year, the toys were received and distributed by Church of Hope in Gardner, St. Francis of Christ the King Monastery in Lemont and Arcadia Nursing Home in Morris, and were given to multiple churches distributed by Rotary International Chicago Branch, according to the release.

Elf Beth and Santa Bob from the Land Use Department played key roles in the event.

For information, contact Heidi Miller at 815-941-3229 or hmiller@grundycountyil.gov.