Oak Forest Police Department Collects More than 4,000 Toys for Toys for Tots

OAK FOREST, IL — Named Operation “Refill Red,” volunteers from the Oak Forest Police Department met and prepared this year’s contribution to the United States Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Foundation on December 17.

“This year has far exceeded all of our expectations and it could not have been accomplished without the help of our residents as well as local and neighboring businesses,” said Oak Forest Police Sergeant Scott Durano, who spearheaded the effort for the department. “Thank you to everyone who participated in this program, especially Walgreen’s on 159th Street in Oak Forest for hosting the 2nd Annual Fill the Squad Toy Drive—allowing us to collect 493 toys to benefit our campaign.”

In just four years, the police department’s program has expanded to include volunteers from the Country Club Hills, Lansing, and Flossmoor Police Departments. These agencies also received donations from their communities and participated in yesterday’s convoy to deliver more than 4,200 toys to 2D Battalion 24th Marines on Foster Avenue in Chicago.

In 2014, the Oak Forest Police Department collected 1,745 toys. This year, it set a new record—collecting 3,673 with the help of other area donation sites. At an average of two toys per child, these donations will touch nearly 1,800 children, who otherwise may not receive any toys for Christmas.

“We are truly grateful for the generosity of our community,” Durano added. “We hope that everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday season.”

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Marines “Toys for Tots” Foundation, future events, or how you can participate in next year’s campaign, please contact Sergeant Scott Durano at sdurano@oak-forest.org or 708-687-4050, ext. 1239.