(Chicago, IL) — NABJ-Chicago extends sincerest thanks to our members and supporters who donated toys for needy children again this year at the 2018 #RedHotHolidayParty: A Scholarship Fundraiser and Toy Drive.

The toys were collected at the Dec. 11 event held at Per.so.na Ultra Lounge, which drew a packed house of some 200 TV, radio and newspaper journalists, public relations and communications professionals, political and civic leaders and other community stakeholders.

The new unwrapped toys brought by attendees were then delivered to Envision, Unlimited, a Chicago nonprofit providing foster care, autism and community integration programs for disabled children and adults, 92 percent of whom are low-income.

NABJCC’s collection went to disabled children in the foster care system served by the organization, which was also recipient of NABJCC’s 2016 and 2017 toy drives.

Envision’s Chief Development Officer, Martha Kenahan, and Admissions Coordinator Linda Vero helped bring in the haul of toys headed for children at a holiday luncheon for foster care children.

“Thanks for all the fabulous toys! Envision is grateful to once again be the recipient of NABJ-Chicago’s toy drive for our foster care children. We are thrilled to be able to distribute your toys to children at our upcoming luncheon for foster children,” said Kenahan.

“Thanks for helping make our children’s Christmas just a little brighter!”

It’s the 11th year that NABJCC has ensured needy and disabled children in foster care and group homes served by Chicago community organizations have toys. Prior toy drives have benefitted foster care children served by Habilitative Systems, Inc. and homeless children served by Clara’s House.