Kevin Dowling Scholarship Fund Plans Drive-By Toy Drive

CHICAGO — All of us have been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another, but that won’t stop the mission of Kevin Dowling’s Christmas Is For Kids Toy Drive, now in its 21st year.

Toys, gift cards and monetary donations will be collected in a drive-by toy drive from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park.

Kevin was the co-captain of the Mt. Carmel High School football team when he collapsed in extreme heat during football practice in August 1995. He died several weeks of liver failure. Kevin had a tremendous work ethic. School did not come easily to him, and he was diagnosed with a learning disability. His family describes him as a kind, fun-loving honest young man who loved sports and spending time with his family and friends.

Santa and volunteers will be accepting toys and donations in front of 115 Bourbon Street. Families are encouraged to bring their kids, where Santa will take a picture with everybody in the car.

The toy drive is an annual event hosted by the Kevin Dowling Fund, which provides scholarships to local youngsters attending Catholic schools. All toys, gift cards and monetary donations will be distributed to OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center, COURAGE in Oak Lawn, LaRabida Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald Child Life Center Program and Burn Center at Loyola Medical Center.

During the holiday season, toys may also be dropped off at these local businesses:

Marquette Bank Locations:
3435 W. 111th St, Chicago
10350 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn
9533 W. 143rd, Orland Park

Fat Tommy’s: 3031 W. 111th St, Chicago
Swanson’s Deli: 2414 W. 103rd St, Chicago
Billy Boy’s: 6400 W. 95th St, Chicago Ridge
Classmate Ltd: 3625 W. 95th St, Evergreen Park

Monetary donations payable to the Kevin Dowling Scholarship Fund may also be mailed to P.O. Box 702, Oak Lawn, IL 60454. For more information about the Kevin Dowling Christmas Is For Kids Toy Driver, please email Jim McKeever at jg.mckeever@att.net