19th Annual Kevin Dowling 'Christmas Is For Kids' Toy Drive

Kevin Dowling’s name is evoked each time a local, hospitalized child gets a gift from the “Christmas Is for Kids Toy Drive” memorializing the Beverly teen who suffered a fatal heat stroke.

The 19th Annual Kevin Dowling Toy Drive this Sunday, Dec. 2, from noon to 5 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street will continue to benefit thousands of children getting medical attention over the holidays.

“First the kids’ faces light up, and then they ask who Kevin is,” said Jim McKeever, founder of the toy drive nearly two decades ago.

As if the young Dowling were driving the mythical sleigh, presents are delivered in the coming weeks to children’s wards such as: Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers; La Rabida Children’s Hospital; Loyola Hospital’s Ronald McDonald Child Life Program and Burn Center Program, (In memory of Tom Fenton); (In Honor of Beau Dowling) Keyser Center at Children’s Hospital as well as Courage in Oak Lawn.

“These are not the beds where children would prefer to sleep,” said McKeever. “Our supporters honor Kevin’s memory by delivering real joy at a time when children are frightened – some are staying overnight in a hospital for the very first time.”

While there is no cover fee at Bourbon Street, supporters are asked to bring a brand new toy still in its store packaging. Monetary gifts are accepted at the door and will be used to buy toys or other items requested by the recipients. Food, beverages, raffle, entertainment and Christmas craft items will be available. Santa Clause will be in attendance as well, giving goodie bags to all in attendance.

Dowling, a co-captain of the 1995 Mount Carmel Caravan football team, suffered fatal complications from heat stroke. His memory has touched an infinite number of lives over the years, from Saint John Fisher Grade School to the fields and diamonds of local parks and the hallways of Mount Carmel High School, and, every holiday season the noisy hallways of children’s hospitals.

The Chicago Bears game versus the New York Giants will be televised at noon.

The 19th Annual Kevin Dowling “Christmas Is For Kids” Toy Drive is December 2, 2018 from noon to 5 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 West 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL. Donations can be made to Kevin Dowling Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 702, Oak Lawn IL 60454. For more information, please contact Jim McKeever at 773/972-6264 or at jg.mckeever@att.net