November 17, 2009

25th Annual Carle/Salvation Army Toy Drive Underway

The holiday season will be brighter this year for needy families in east central Illinois thanks to the Carle/Salvation Army Toy Drive, a community service project of Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Clinic Association, and WDWS/WHMS. This year's Toy Drive began Monday, November 16 and will continue through December 14. An all-day, drive-thru/drop-off collection will take place at the radio station on Wednesday, December 9. The Carle organizations have sponsored this annual Toy Drive for 25 years.

"We want to make sure all parents are able to provide their children with the simple gift of a toy or gift card," Gretchen Robbins, director of Public Relations for Carle Foundation Hospital said. "These are tough times for many, probably the toughest we have seen during the 25 years that Carle has been a corporate sponsor. So, we are hopeful area families who are more fortunate will once again express their generosity by providing gifts for children and teens who would otherwise go without."

The public is asked to drop off new, unwrapped toys for infants, children, and teens at several locations throughout Champaign County. These locations include:

  • Carle South Clinic Lobby, 602 W. University, Urbana
  • Carle Clinic - Champaign on Curtis, 1701 W. Curtis Road
  • Carle Clinic - Champaign on Mattis, 1802 S. Mattis Ave.
  • Carle Clinic - Champaign on Kirby, 1813 W. Kirby Ave.
  • Carle Clinic - Urbana on Windsor, 1818 E. Windsor Road
  • Health Alliance Medical Plans, 301 S. Vine Street, Urbana
  • Carle Clinic - Mahomet, 1001 Heather Dr.
  • Carle Clinic - Rantoul, 1540 E. Grove
  • Curves at Round Barn - Champaign
  • WDWS/WHMS, 2301 S. Neil Street, Champaign

Donors can also bring gifts to Carle's All-Day Drive-Thru Toy Collection on Wednesday, December 9, at WDWS/WHMS, 2301 S. Neil Street, Champaign. Stop by, and help us "stuff the bus" by dropping off a toy from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are unable to bring a toy or gift card, cash donations will be accepted at this one-day event.

"We are always grateful for the support of WDWS/WHMS and Mike Haile, also known as Mike in the Morning," Ms. Robbins said. "Mike's long-time, unwavering support and continual involvement helps us bring joy to more families every year."

For more information, listen to Mike in the Morning on WHMS Lite Rock 97.5 or call The Carle Foundation Public Relations Department at (217) 383-4602. For a list of suggested toys for this year, please visit carle.org/toydrive