Disney kicks off its Ultimate Toy Drive to deliver hope to children this holiday season

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Christmas is upon us, but Santa isn't the only one putting presents under the tree: Disney kicked off its annual Ultimate Toy Drive campaign in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve's Toys for Tots Foundation.

Toys for Tots Chicagoland Marine Campaign Coordinator Sergeant Robert Limones of the U.S. Marine Corps spoke about the event.

On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, ABC7 kicked off its annual campaign to help make holiday wishes come true for children in need. ABC7 Chicago and the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots will join forces with Apple Chevrolet to help make the holidays a little brighter for kids around the Chicago area through toy drives and donations.

Kicking off this year's event on ABC7 are Toys for Tots Chicago Marine Campaign Coordinator Sergeant Robert Limones of the U.S. Marine Corps and John Alfirevich, owner of Apple Chevy in Tinley Park.

John Alfirevich, owner of Apple Chevy in Tinley Park, joined ABC7's Tracy Butler to discuss the event.

Both joined ABC7 Chicago Meteorologist Tracy Butler live on-air, encouraging viewers to donate new, unwrapped toys to "Stuff the Truck" at Apple Chevy on Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The drop off location is located at 8585 W 159th St. in Tinley Park.

The 2022 Toys for Tots goal is to collect 100,000 toys to give to children in need.

ABC7's Tracy Butler gets a sneak peek of the toys donated for Saturday's toy drive.

Tracy Butler will present a $25,000 donation to Gunnery Sergeant Limones on behalf of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive to provide an additional 3,125 toys to kids in the Chicago area, contributing to this goal.

Those who can't "Stuff the Truck" with toys can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by purchasing a toy to donate online at shopDisney.com now through Dec. 24.

'Stuff the Truck' organizers spoke with ABC7's Tracy Butler about the significance of Saturday's toy drive.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.