OL Firefighters Union Delivers Toys To Advocate Children's Hospital

OAK LAWN, IL — Kids stuck in the hospital for Christmas received new toys thanks to Oak Lawn Professional Firefighters Local 3405.

Every year, Oak Lawn firefighters conduct a toy drive and fundraise for their annual toy distribution at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. As in past years, boxes for toy donations were placed at the village’s three firehouses and at village hall.

“This is our 14th year dropping off toys,” said Jeff Kane, president of Local 3405. “We had an estimated 20 shopping carts full of toys.”

The firefighters also partnered with The Whistle Sports Bar & Grill, 4911 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Anyone who brought in a toy got their first drink on the house.

“The Whistle was very kind,” Kane said. “We had a box van out in back.”

On Monday, Local 3405 members accompanied medical staff as they distributed new toys to every kid at Advocate Children’s. The remainder were put in storage, to be given to children after they undergo a major medical procedure, or to quell the fears of a newly admitted pediatric patient.

“It’s nice to be able to not only do this for Christmas, but for the remainder of the year as well,” Kane said.