'Christmas Is For Kids Toy Drive' Keeps Kevin Dowling's Memory Alive

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — The Kevin Dowling Christmas Is For Kids Toy Drive will be in person this year at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park. Now in its 23rd year, the toy drive will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec.3.

Admission to the event is FREE, which features food, beverages and raffles. Just bring a new toy, book, gift card or make a donation. There will be activities for kids including face painting, popcorn and visits with Santa.

The toy drive is seeking sponsors and/or raffle prizes, Santa sponsorships are $500, Elf sponsorships are $300.

Kevin was the co-captain of the Mt. Carmel High School football team when he collapsed in extreme heat during football practice in August 1995. He died after several weeks of liver failure. Kevin had a tremendous work ethic. School did not come easily to him, and he was diagnosed with a learning disability. His family describes him as a kind, fun-loving, honest young man who loved sports and spending time with his family and friends.

Santa and volunteer elves will be accepting toys and donations. Families are encouraged to bring their kids for photo ops with jolly old elf.

The toy drive is an annual event hosted by the Kevin Dowling Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to local youngsters attending Catholic schools.

All toys, gift cards and monetary donations will be distributed to OSF-Little Company of Mary Hospital, COURAGE in Oak Lawn, LaRabida Hospital, In Memory of Tom Fenton, Loyola Hospital’s Child Life Services, In Honor of Beau Dowling, Keyser Pediatric Center at Advocate Child Hospital in Oak Lawn.

Please make checks payable to the may also be mailed to 3133 W. 102nd St., Evergreen Park. For Kevin Dowling Toy Drive. For more information, please email Jim McKeever at jg.mckeever@att.net