Toys for Tots of McLean County distributes toys to families in need

Posted on December 19, 2014

One of the tables at the "Toy Shop" at the Salvation Army Corp Building in Bloomington Thursday during the Toys for Tots of McLean County pickup. (Joe Ragusa/WJBC)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – Toys for Tots of McLean County is distributing gifts to roughly 780 families, or roughly 1,690 children, in need.

The Salvation Army of McLean County had a "Toy Shop" set up at their facility at 611 W. Washington Street in Bloomington. Salvation Army Captain DJ James is one of the organizers.

"For Christmas, this is the really the big payoff for our toys and gifts," James said. "As the Salvation Army, we still have a push for our kettle drive because all the money raised through our kettles gets us through the whole year, budget-wise."

James says the Red Kettle campaign in Bloomington-Normal is roughly $60,000 short of its goal for the year. The campaign ends Dec. 31.

Joe Ragsua can be reached at [email protected].

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