Residents to get priority at 2nd annual giveaway
Hoping to spread a little holiday cheer, Dolton officials plan Friday to give free toys to hundreds of children.
The village’s second annual toy giveaway is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Dorchester Banquet Center, 1515 E. 154th St., Dolton.
“We’re extremely glad to have the opportunity to share some holiday cheer,” Mayor Riley Rogers said in a news release. “In my view, there is no better way to do it than to give toys to the children and to have a huge party, especially for them.”
The event will include food for visitors, and village employees will be dressed as cartoon characters and walking around and entertaining children.
Santa Claus also will make a special visit.
Rogers said parents should show identification to prove they are Dolton residents so their children will receive priority in picking out toys.
Organizers are expecting at least 400 children at the event, which will have a wide range of toys, from Barbie dolls to Marvel action figures.
Rogers said more than 1,000 toys were donated by individuals, village employees and local businesses, such as Ardagh Group, which manufactures glass and metal packaging for consumer products.
The event also will include speeches from Rogers, state Sen. Napoleon Harris, D-Harvey, and Franklin Elementary School Principal Martez James and Lincoln Elementary School Principal Don Parker.
“This is one of the few times of the year when we can actually celebrate children,” said Dolton police Chief Robert Collins. “This is still magical for them.”
He said one of the best investments a community can make is in its children because it keeps them from becoming idle and getting into trouble.
Rogers said he and others started the event last year after recognizing the apparent need during the village’s annual turkey giveaway. He said about 1,100 turkeys are given away the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and more and more people started coming to the event. Rogers said the giveaway wouldn’t start until 10 a.m., but there were already long lines for turkeys about 5 a.m.
“Looking at it from that perspective, we thought (families) might like some toys too,” he said.
Rogers said organizers have been promoting the toy giveaway through emails and social media and by visiting local schools.
As with the turkey giveaway, he said, the toy giveaway is becoming so popular that people from Chicago and other suburbs have been coming, as well, but Dolton residents will be given priority.
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