ROCHELLE – Donation boxes for the 2026 Ogle County Toys for Tots campaign are being placed at locations throughout the county, giving residents a chance to help local children receive Christmas gifts. Coordinator Heather Tinsman says the program distributed more than 4,000 toys to over 1,000 children last year, its largest year yet. The campaign serves children from birth through age 17, and organizers are asking donors to remember older children who may be harder to shop for. Suggested gifts include board games, stuffed toys, makeup sets, wallets, watches and flashlights. All toys must be new and unwrapped and donated by Dec. 1.
“The deadline for toys is December 1st and for applying we will accept applications up until December 5th,” Tinsman said.
Tinsman said community support makes it possible to help children during the holidays. “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. A list of collection sites is available on the Ogle County Toys for Tots Facebook page. For more information, contact Tinsman at 815-262-7609. Families seeking assistance have until Dec. 5 to apply.
