GLEN CARBON - Community members can join a major toy and food drive next weekend.
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From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, you can drop off toys and nonperishable food items at Kellerman Investigations in Glen Carbon. Attendees can enjoy cookies, cocoa, photo opportunities and raffles while donating to Toys for Tots and St. Cecilia Food Pantry.
“The community can come out and help us help others, and that's what it’s about,” said Kimberly Brown, who organizes the drive. “We just want to do good.”
The drive started three years ago after the passing of Brown’s father, a former Marine. Brown’s parents both loved their grandkids and enjoyed watching “their eyes light up” when opening gifts and celebrating the holidays. The Toys for Tots mission is close to Brown’s heart, and the drive serves as a way to honor her parents.
This year, Kellerman Investigations also decided to collect nonperishable food items for St. Cecilia Food Pantry. With each toy or food item donated, attendees will receive a raffle entry.
Kellerman Investigations has over $1,000 worth of gift cards and raffle items available. Brown thanked the businesses in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon communities for donating toward the raffle. She noted that “every little bit adds up” and they are grateful for the contributions.
While Brown recognizes that many families are in need this year and everyone’s wallets are a little tighter, she hopes many people come forward to donate toward the drives. Over the past three years, the event and donations have expanded exponentially. Brown is proud of the work they’ve done to help people and thankful for the donors and businesses that have stepped forward.
“Anything that somebody can do, whether it's canned goods or a couple of toys, that collectiveness is community,” she added. “It’s getting together and being able to donate what you can, if you can, to do good for others.”
You can donate to the Kellerman Investigations drives anytime from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 5, 2025. The event on Dec. 6, 2025, encourages people to come out, donate and enjoy the holiday cheer. For more information about the Dec. 6 event, visit the official Facebook event page.
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