Glenview Girl Spreads the Love this Valentine's Day

It was during a weekend trip to the toy store earlier this month that five-year-old Valentina DeBoni of Glenview had a thought. Valentina noticed that all of the toys were for sale in a liquidation close out. She became inspired and asked her parents if they could purchase some extra toys to bring to kids battling illness and those less fortunate. Her mom and dad, Gina and Frank DeBoni said of course and they proceeded to fill up several boxes of toys.

“There are lots of ways to show love, Valentina said. “This Valentine’s Day, I want to show my love to kids in need.” The idea seemed especially fitting to her parents knowing that Valentine’s Day is Valentina’s namesake day. From there, Valentina’s Toy Drive was born.

Valentina will be collecting and donating toys for Clara’s House, a shelter for homeless and battered women and children, as well as area Children’s hospitals. Each gift will be adorned with a special handmade valentine from Valentina to remind the children how loved they are.

“No matter how many or few toys we collect, I’m extremely proud of my girl,” Gina shared. “She just turned five, yet is so aware of the world around her and shows love and compassion to all people. We can all learn a lesson from her.”

New and gently used toys can be dropped off at any of the below locations, who have been generous enough to donate their time and space through the end of February in honor of Valentine’s Day:

Northshore:
Valentina’s Toy Drive
c/o Winger Marketing
1240 Meadow Road, 5th Floor
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

Chicago:
Valentina’s Toy Drive
c/o Romanucci & Blandin LLC
321 N. Clark, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60654

Western Suburbs:
Valentina’s Toy Drive
c/o Olive Street Design
264 E. Kenilworth Ave., Suite 1
Villa Park, IL 60181