Heroes collect Toys for Tots

Posted on December 14, 2020
Reaching their goal this year was tough, as the pandemic threw off their normal plans. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL – First responders partnered with Toys for Tots of McLean County to hold a new event on Saturday.

After all four of their original fundraisers and drives this year were canceled due to COVID-19, Toys for Tots held their first ever Heroes to Heroes Toy drive.

Director Troy Zeigler said they’re giving the gift of hope to 4500 kids in McLean County this year.

The event started at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, and according to Zeigler, they filled half of the truck in 45 minutes.

Reaching their goal this year was tough, as the pandemic threw off their normal plans.

“Our boxes are usually our advertising,” Zeigler says. “When our boxes are in places that are no longer open to the public, or foot traffic has lessened, then it really affects people’s thought process … so its been a struggle.”

According to Zeigler, this time last year they collected around 12,000 toys, while this year they’ve only collected about half that amount.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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