Kankakee, IL – A local Toys for Tots campaign is underway in Kankakee County this month, aiming to collect thousands of new coloring books and boxes of crayons for children in need.
According to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Kankakee County, the community drive runs from May 17 through May 31 and is seeking help from local businesses and organizations willing to host collection boxes. The effort focuses specifically on gathering new coloring books and unopened boxes of crayons to distribute to families across the area.
Organizers say the initiative is designed to meet a growing need after falling short of demand last year. In 2025, nearly 4,000 children in the community received toys and supplies through the program, with each child receiving a coloring book and each family receiving crayons. However, supplies did not fully meet demand.
This year, the group is starting earlier and expanding outreach in hopes of closing that gap. Businesses that participate by hosting donation boxes can play a key role in increasing collection totals and ensuring more families are served.
The drive spans communities across Kankakee County, including Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais, and surrounding areas within the greater Chicago region. Donations must be new and unused to meet distribution guidelines.
Residents and business owners interested in participating can contact the local Toys for Tots organizers directly through their community outreach channels.
Organizers emphasize that even small contributions can help ensure no child goes without this year.
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