EAST ST. LOUIS – This holiday season, Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Representative LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) are collecting toys to give children in need a special holiday surprise.

The toys will be collected now through Dec. 10. Toys for children of all ages can be dropped off at Belt’s office, located at Kenneth Hall Regional Office Building #10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A in East St. Louis. Residents can drop off toys Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The holiday season is a time we buy gifts for our loved ones,” Belt said. “Many families in our communities struggle financially during the holidays. I encourage residents to donate new or gently used toys so a child in need can enjoy a gift this season.”

Call for Help, Inc., a local organization which will receive the donated toys, works to change lives by giving people skills and support that empower them to overcome emotional and physical crisis. The organization serves the Greater Metro East and surrounding areas to end homelessness, poverty and violence.

If residents have questions about the toy drive, Belt urges them to contact his office at 618-875-1212 or Greenwood’s office at 618-646-9557.