Toys for Cook Kids serves 300 families in need

Dozens of community volunteers turned out Saturday morning, Dec. 10, 2022, to distribute food and Christmas gifts for families, children, and the elderly at the annual Toys for Cook Kids event.

With donated items organized and stored days in advance, the drive-thru event was held at the old Adel Elementary School. The less fortunate in the community lined up in their vehicles, and the volunteers placed donated items in the vehicles. Observers were pleased to see how many young people participated as volunteers.

Three hundred families and 100 elderly residents were given multiple bags of groceries, fresh produce, and fruit, along with toys for the kids. Law enforcement officers carried food and gift bags to the homes of elderly shut-ins.

The 2nd Annual Battle of the Businesses took place Nov. 14 to 30, 2022. Local businesses collected nonperishable items, along with toys, to be given out at the Toys for Cook Kids event in December. Cook Community Bank won for the second year in a row.

Toys for Cook Kids benefits the less fortunate during Christmastime in our community. The annual drive is designed to make sure every child in Cook County has Christmas.

The Kiwanis Club of Adel spearheads the Toys for Cook Kids volunteer efforts among many local clubs, charitable organizations, churches, school groups and teams, businesses, families, and individuals.