As an official drop-off location for the annual Toys for Tots Campaign sponsored by the DuPage County U.S. Marines, the West Chicago Police Station, at 325 Spencer Street, received more toys this year than it has in many years.
According to 24-year veteran West Chicago Police Officer Mike Zepeda, a Marine who served his country right out of high school from 1987 to 1991 and who has been involved in the Toys for Tots program for the past 15 years, an overall total of approximately 250 toys, plus 30 brand new bicycles, were collected.
Officer Zepeda credits the success of the program, which puts miles of smiles on kids’ faces in the community and County, to the generosity of residents and businesses.
Groot Industries donated over 100 toys, as well as the new bicycles, and Haggerty Ford collected and donated between 40 – 50 toys. Officer Zepeda also acknowledged his appreciation for the support of Chief Michael Uplegger in designating the Police Station as an official drop-off point for the Toys for Tots program, which brought joy and hope to so many children and families this year.