Kevin Dowling 'Christmas Is For Kids Toy Drive' Back In Person

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 22nd year, the toy drive will run from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.

Admission is to the event is FREE, which features food, beverages and raffles. Just bring a new toy, book, gift card or make a donation.

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.

Last year’s toy drive was held outside due to the pandemic. Jim McKeever, who organizes the event every year as a labor of love, is happy the toy drive will be in person at 115 Bourbon Street. Santa and volunteers 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 Medical Center, COURAGE in Oak Lawn, LaRabida Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald Child Life Center Program and Burn Center at at Loyola Medical Center, and the Keyser Family Pediatric Center at Advocate Children’s Hospital-Oak Lawn.

Please make checks payable to the Kevin Dowling Scholarship Fund may also be mailed to P.O. Box 702, Oak Lawn, IL 60454. For more information about the Kevin Dowling Christmas Is For Kids Toy Driver, please email Jim McKeever at jg.mckeever@att.net