Chicago church asking for more toy donations for 2025 holiday season

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago church is now desperately trying to collect more toys for children in need after donations to their toy drive this year are falling short.

"I felt bad that I wasn't able to get my grandson something that he wanted," church member Keith Whitfield said.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Whitfield is praying for help, as he and other volunteers at Another Chance Church in the city's Roseland neighborhood hope for more toy donations for kids in need.

It was only a few years ago his family experienced the generosity of the annual toy giveaway.

"We all came up here, and he was able to get the toy. It just made me feel good," Whitfield said.

Whitfield is now a member of the church that changed his grandson's life, and is among the choir of those concerned about this year's effort to ensure every child has a gift under the tree on Christmas.

The church's 14th annual Operation Cover Chicago is around 9,000 toys short of its 30,000 goal.

Pastor Kenyatta Smith says, the toys aren't just toys, they represent hope.

SEE ALSO: 13th annual Jeeps on the Run charity event supports Toys for Tots

"Right now, that's in danger. Thousands of children around the city of Chicago may not get any gift for Christmas," said Pastor Kenyatta Smith, with Another Chance Church.

The not-for-profit says the economy, tariffs and inflation have made for tough times.

"Fifty dollars will get the chance to change the life of one child," Smith said.

As seen in video provided by the church, in past years, hundreds have waited in line for hours for toys, coming from Indiana, Wisconsin, the city and the suburbs.

Children ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old get to choose a toy.

"And the toys vary. We strive to have toys for each age range and a larger array of toys," said Ashley Washington, with Operation Cover Chicago.

The prayer is that people will step forward to help and make the Christmas miracle of holiday toys for children come true.

"We are each other's keepers, and we can no longer walk around like it's all about us. Because it's not. It's all about the people that we serve," volunteer Margaret Wooten said.

The church is accepting toy and monetary donations in-person and online.

The Operation Cover Chicago Toy Drive giveaway is Dec. 22.

Visit the church's Facebook page for more information.