Coffey, Rosenthal & Turner Kick Off Holiday Charity Drives

State Representatives Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) and Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) are partnering with Toys for Tots to host a holiday drive aimed at helping children and families in need throughout Sangamon County, while State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is launching her annual holiday card drive to bring cheer to seniors in long-term care facilities. Together, the three lawmakers are encouraging Central Illinois residents to give back and spread kindness this season.

Coffey and Rosenthal’s Toys for Tots drive runs through December 20, with new, unwrapped toys being collected at their district office in Springfield before being distributed to local families in time for Christmas. “The holiday season and Christmas Day is about giving thanks and bringing people together,” said Coffey. “I’m proud to join my colleague in our efforts to help children experience joy and unite people in the community for a common cause. A small act of kindness can have a big impact on children, and this is one way we can teach children and community members the value of giving.”

Rosenthal noted the challenges many families face with rising costs and urged those who can to consider donating. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, founded in 1991 by the U.S. Marine Corps, has long worked to provide hope and happiness to disadvantaged children. Last year alone, the Sangamon County drive supported more than 8,000 local children.

Residents can drop off donations at the E-1 Stratton Office Building at 401 S. Spring Street in Springfield through December 20. For more information, contact Rep. Coffey’s office at 217-782-0053 or coffey@ilhousegop.org, or Rep. Rosenthal’s office at 217-782-8071.

In addition, Senator Doris Turner is kicking off her annual holiday card drive to brighten the season for older adults in long-term care facilities who may feel lonely or isolated. “We often lose track of what’s most important this season – and that’s spreading joy,” Turner said. “Everyone enjoys a small, yet meaningful, act of kindness during the holidays.”

Turner is encouraging community members, including children, to create or purchase holiday cards that can be shared with seniors throughout the region. Cards can be mailed or delivered now through December 17 to her Capitol office at 401 S. Spring St., Section F, Office B, Springfield, IL 62706, or her Decatur office at 1210 S. Jasper St., Decatur, IL 62321. For more information, contact her office at 217-782-0228.