Holiday event seeks to help children, families

    A holiday toy drive to benefit hospitalized children and local families in need will also provide a bit of holiday cheer for those who support the effort.
    The Winter Wonderland Toy Drive is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Coal City Middle School, 500 S. Carbon Hill Road.
    The event will include inflatables, cookie decorating, fitness games, bus rides to view local holiday lights and a few other surprises.
    Admission is a new toy, gift card or monetary donation. All will go to provide gifts to children spending the holiday’s in the hospital, as well as local families.
    Along with the Dec. 17 toy drive, students and staff at all Unit 1 schools are collecting toys for children ages 3 to 18, along with gift cards. Donations can be dropped off at each of the school offices through Friday, Dec. 15.
    The toy drive is being organized by Coal City Middle School teacher Rodney Monbrum and questions can be directed to him at r_monbrum@coalcityschools.org.