Above / Danielle Tufano and Nicole Comis pose with a U.S. Marine during a photo op. Their message is to bring a new, unwrapped toy and join the party that will help brighten the holidays for local youth.
UPDATE, Oct. 1, 2019 / This year’s 10th Annual DuPage County Toys for Tots Gala is set for Fri., Nov. 1, at Elements on Water Street. Reservations are $125 per person.
For more info, event sponsorship or donation inquiries, contact Comis at (630) 669-8748 or nicole@NicoleComis.com.
Original Post, Oct. 31, 2017 / The community is invited to join supporters of DuPage County Toys for Tots on the 242nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps to help answer wishes of disadvantaged children in the community by donating brand new unwrapped toys for boys and girls.
The 8th annual DuPage County Toys For Tots Gala, will begin at 7PM on Fri., Nov. 10, at the Hilton of Lisle/Naperville, located at 3003 Corporate West Drive in Lisle.
Organized and hosted by Nicole Comis of Nicole Comis, the Certified Life Coach notes her passion for the mission of the Toys For Tots organization is what drives her to provide a successful result for Toys for Tots “and a fabulous experience for the evening’s participants.”
Donate brand new unwrapped toys
According to DuPage County Toys For Tots Coordinator Rita O’Reilly Kollias, the mission of the Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.
“The ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the generosity of the people who donate toys,” added Kollias.
“The DuPage County Toys For Tots Gala, now in its 8th year and hosted annually by Nicole Comis, not only helps collect toys and raise a significant amount of money, but it also creates an awareness and gives exposure to our program in the local communities, which ultimately translates into hope for more children at Christmas.”
The celebration will include hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, desserts by Dark Horse Pastries, music and dancing, a wine pull and a prominent raffle. Alfresco Photo Booth will help guests to take fun open-air themed pictures to capture the night, organizers said.
Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased at www.NicoleComis.com. Rooms at the Hilton of Lisle/Naperville will be available to guests at a special rate and a portion of each booking will go to DuPage County Toys For Tots.
Community supporters, sponsors, and appreciators include 95.9FM The River radio and The River’s Program Director and morning show co-host Danielle Tufano, who’ll serve as gala MC.
For more info, event sponsorship or donation inquiries, contact Comis at (630) 669-8748 or nicole@NicoleComis.com.
News release and photo submitted by Lisa Murtaugh Gangi.
Editor’s Note / Donations of unwrapped brand new toys (no stuffed animals, please) for Toys for Tots are needed by mid-December in order for Santa’s helpers to collect and distribute them where they will bring comfort and joy to girls and boys. That’s why this popular event may seem early for the holiday season.
Also, look for well-marked decorated boxes and barrels with the famous Toys for Tots logo or poster at drop-off locations throughout the community, including the Naperville Park District and DuPage Children’s Museum, that will be collecting new toys, too, through Dec. 16, 2017.
For the long list of Naperville drop-off locations and hours of availability, visit DuPage County Toys for Tots. Thanks!
UPDATE, Nov. 1, 2017 / Another special event to benefit Toys for Tots will take place during the Swingin’ Christimas Winter Concert performed by the Naperville Chorus and Pete Ellman’s Big Band. Shows begin at 7:30PM on Dec. 2 and at 2PM on Dec. 3 at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 Chicago Avenue, Naperville. Tickets are $25, $20 Senior (65+)/Students with group discounts available for 10 or more. And please bring a new unwrapped toy to the concert to be donated to a family in need. Thanks!
