ROCHELLE – The Ogle County Toys for Tots campaign is underway, with new, unwrapped toys needed by December 1st to help local children have gifts for Christmas. Coordinator Heather Tinsman says the program distributed more than 4,000 toys to over 1,000 children in 2025, its largest year yet. Donation boxes will be placed at locations throughout the county around November 1st, and a list of collection sites is available on the Ogle County Toys for Tots Facebook page. The program serves children from birth through age 17, and Tinsman encourages donors to consider older children who can be harder to shop for. Suggested gifts include board games, stuffed toys, makeup sets, wallets, watches and flashlights.
“The deadline for toys is December 1st and for applying we will accept applications up until December 5th,” Tinsman said.
She also thanked local residents for their continued support, saying, “The community continues to show up big and it really allows us to help these children in need be seen, valued and loved and I appreciate it.”
Volunteers and financial donations are also welcome. For more information, contact Tinsman at 815-262-7609 or visit the Ogle County Toys for Tots Facebook page.