Toy drive brings joy to scores of children

By Lauren Johnson

The faces of the two little boys lit up with excitement as they received their gifts. The little boys had not seen their mother in years. But for a few hours, that sadness could not compare to the joy of receiving gifts and the fun and food that filled the room.

New coats, hats, scarves and gloves were some of the many gifts that children received at a toy drive on December 13 at the Kohl Center in Kankakee. Besides handing out gifts, children and their families played games such as Christmas trivia.

The toy and coat drive was sponsored by the Garden of Prayer Youth Center in Momence. The group presented gifts to about 600 children. Last year, Garden of Prayer distributed 30 coats and 300 toys to nearly 280 children, according to published reports.

The smell of fresh baked cookies and hot cocoa filled the air and mixed with the laughter of children and the chatter of adults. In the background, Christmas music played. The sounds of “Silver Bells”, “This Christmas” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” made it feel like it was already Christmas Day.

Every child left with a gift in hand, but more importantly with a smile on their face.