2016 ABC 7 Holiday Toy Drive kicks off

CHICAGO -- It's that time of year to get into the holiday cheer and help those in need. The ABC 7 Holiday Toy Drive presented by IHOP kicks off from now until Dec. 11. Viewers are encouraged to stop by a local IHOP with a new unwrapped toy to donate. There will be bins prominently displayed to take your donation, and IHOP has a gift for you, for your toy donation you will receive a $5 gift certificate for use in January at participating locations.

Donations go to Toys For Tots, and from the Marines, Staff Sergeant Johnny Garcia stopped by Windy City LIVE to share what a donation means to a child in need.

And new this year, we are having a "Stuff the Truck" event on Nov. 22 from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. at the IHOP in Evanston. Tracy Butler, along with Staff Sargent Johnny Garcia and other Marines will be LIVE during the morning newscasts, collecting new, unwrapped toys. You can stop by and help make a child's wish come true this holiday season.

And we are kicking off the drive on Veterans Day because IHOP wants to salute and thank all active and retired service men and women by offering them free "Red, White & Blue" pancakes when they show a valid military ID. This offer is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11. Valid identification includes U.S. Uniform Services ID Card, US Uniform Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earning Statement, Veteran's Organization Card, Photograph in Uniform, Citation or Commendation, or Military Dog Tags.

For more information and a full list of IHOP locations visit Windy City LIVE.