NORMAL -- Matt Drat knows this year's goal for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program will be a challenge, but he has seen the county rise to the occasion in years past.

Drat, coordinator for the 20th annual Christmas gift drive for McLean County children in need, said at Monday's kickoff that he wants 21,000 gifts donated and distributed -- 1,000 more than last year when 5,000 children from newborn through age 16 were served. This year, there will be more children because of the recession, he said after the kickoff, held at the new Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in uptown Normal.

Families are identified by The Salvation Army, which registers them and works to ensure families aren't also getting gifts from other agencies, said Capt. Scott Shelbourn, corps officer for the Salvation Army of McLean County.

"We're seeing the needs increase in every aspect of the Salvation Army," from rent and utility assistance to the food pantry, Shelbourn said.

Drat's message to families wondering whether they can donate this year is the gift doesn't have to be big. A typical donated toy is $15.

"Even a small gift can make a big difference in the life of a child," Drat said.

Fifty bins to donate new, unwrapped gifts are being placed, beginning today, at locations throughout Bloomington-Normal, including Advanced Auto Parts, Bloomington and Normal Fire Department stations, Jewel Foods, Moni-cal's Pizza and Schnucks, said Drat, who leads the all-volunteer program. The drive runs through Dec. 21.

Applications from families will be received Nov. 16-20 at the Salvation Army, 611 W. Washington St., Bloomington, Shelbourn said. Applicants must bring a photo ID, proof of McLean County residency, a Social Security card for each child and income verification.

Recognized Monday as special supporters of Toys For Tots were AFNI, Sign-A-Rama, Team Automotive, Monical's, Laborers Local 362 and Artful Design. The Jim Tarr Volunteer of the Year Award -- named for a longtime program supporter from United Auto Workers Local 2488 -- was presented to Doris and Midge Boyd.

Earlier Monday, Hans Rasmussen expressed concern about nine stacked pallets of Toys For Tots books and toys still in storage from before Christmas 2007 at the Kongskilde assembly and distribution center on South Main Street, Bloomington. Rasmussen, general manager of North American operations for the equipment maker, volunteered to store the donated items and wanted to make sure that they were used by someone this Christmas.

Drat said the items were left over from a bulk donation from national Toys For Tots and many of the items didn't fit the needs of McLean County children. He said the items would be used, but details need to be worked out.

Drop locations

More than 50 drop boxes are being set out beginning today at locations throughout Bloomington-Normal for people to donate gifts for Toys For Tots. The program's Web site, www.mcleantoysfortots.org, will be updated to list the drop box locations.

SOURCE: Matt Drat