Be A Good Santa Or Elf: 'Kevin Dowing Christmas Is For Kids' Toy Drive Seeks Sponsors

EVERGREEN PARK, IL—Christmas is just around the corner, and the Kevin Dowling Christmas Is For Kids is looking for sponsors for the upcoming toy drive on Dec. 5.

Nobody loved kids more than Kevin, who was 17 when he collapsed during football practice at Mount Carmel High School during the brutal 1995 heatwave. He died of liver failure several weeks later.

Sponsorships are now open for this popular neighborhood toy drive, including:

• Santa sponsors, $500, includes business name displayed by Santa, donor banner and social media mention;
• Elf sponsors, $300, donor banner and social media mention.

In addition to sponsorships, the toy drive is seeking donations of raffle prizes.

On Dec. 5, Kevin’s family will be keeping his memory alive at the 27th annual Kevin Dowling ‘Christmas Is For Kids’ toy drive that takes place Saturday, Dec. 5. Bring a new, unwrapped toy, book, gift card or make a donation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park.

New toys and books will be distributed to children’s hospitals and child welfare organizations, including:

• OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center
• COURAGE Program of Oak Lawn
• La Rabida Children’s Hospital in memory of Tom Fenton
• Loyola Medical Center’s Child Life Services, in honor of Beau Dowling
• Keyser Center at Advocate Children’s Hospital-Oak Lawn

The co-captain of the Mt. Carmel High School football team, 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.

Meanwhile, donations by checks can be made payable to the Kevin Dowling Toy Drive, or send gift cards, which will be used to buy toys and books, to: Attn: Kevin Dowling Toy Drive, 3133 W. 102nd St., Evergreen Park, IL 60805.

Or via Zelle (7739726264) or Venmo (Jim-McKeever-5). For more information about sponsorships and raffle prize donations, contact Jim McKeever at 773-972-6264.