HAZEL CREST, Ill., Dec. 7 -- Loquator Dinkins, Coordinator of the United States Marine Corps Reserve South Suburban Toys for Tots Foundation, today said the Christmas treasury would only provide for half of the 80,000 disadvantaged children in the 36 cities that we serve if cash and toys do not come in soon.
A toy and cash shortage sounds peculiar to anyone who knows about the high-profile Toys for Tots motorcycle parade from 87th and Western at the Dan Ryan Woods. But those toys are distributed from Chicago's North side to 95th street. It is Dinkins' office that oversees collection and distribution from 95th Street to Kankakee County and Will County to Indiana.
Dinkins added that donations have dropped in the Southland because some large donors were reassigned to other territories. Also, the September 11 attack on America and employment lay-offs have contributed to a greater need for toys, and, that resulted in a lag in giving cash and toys this Christmas season.
The cash donations will be used to offset $1,600 fees to rent a collection truck to collect toys and a refrigerated truck to collect perishable food donations to give Christmas baskets to families.
While there is still time to help see that every child receives a little Christmas, the toyless Christmas can be avoided if people would mail cash contributions or bring toys to the South Suburban Toys for Tots, 16710 S. Richmond, Hazel Crest, IL 60429. Or, anyone can call for Toys for Tots drop- off sites nearest to them at 708/596-5459. Donations are being collected until December 22.
Ms. Dinkins has been the South Suburban Toys for Tots Coordinator for seven years. She is also the Founder and President of L.B.D. Enterprises, Inc., a non-profit organization whose services include food and clothing to less fortunate families and children since 1985. Ms. Dinkins and her husband Henry have reared 52 foster children. Ms. Dinkins also networks with other community organizations to meet the needs of anyone who is neglected and/or lives in poverty.
