A Marathon of Generosity—The 26th Annual 12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive
In the season of giving, December unfolds in Winnebago County with the Annual 12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive, an enduring tradition hosted by Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall. For over two decades, this event has blossomed into a beacon of hope, helping to ensure that every child in the community unwraps the magic of Christmas. This year's 26th edition, held on December 1, was yet another testament to the unwavering generosity of the community.
From dawn until dusk, businesses, groups, families, and individuals all converged at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall with donations in hand. The showroom echoed with the rhythmic heartbeat of generosity as toys of all shapes and sizes poured in for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
Each donated toy embarks on a journey, destined for the homes of local families facing economic challenges. The Angel Tree program acts as a bridge, connecting the generosity of donors with the hopes of hundreds of families who might otherwise struggle to provide their children with Christmas presents. In a year marked by inflation and rising food costs, the need in Winnebago County has surged, with over 1,700 children and 700 families signed up to receive holiday assistance. These families eagerly anticipate the arrival of these gifts, transforming what could be a difficult time into a season of warmth and celebration. As Major Monty Wandling said, “We're so pleased to see all the toys that are coming in because it's going to make Christmas a great time for a lot of families in our community.”
As the day unfolded, the Lou Bachrodt showroom underwent a remarkable transformation. Over 4,700 toys, a testament to the community's goodwill, formed towering displays. Witnessing this sight, one could not help but feel moved.
It was a day where tears came easy, with countless moments of generosity at every corner. Employees from Dickerson Nieman Realtors arrived en masse, wheeling in bicycle after bicycle. Local businesses brought trucks overflowing with toys. Families and individuals, propelled by selflessness, came hourly with their contributions.
Among the donors were Natalie and Alexis, ages 5 and 7, who sold candy bars to raise money for their toy donations. They earned nearly $400 and arrived with numerous bags of hand-selected toys, an incredible feat of generosity for their tender age.
As the day drew to a close and snowflakes started to descend, The Rockford Temple Band serenaded the crowd with "Silent Night," setting the stage for the event's grand finale. As dusk settled, the Cherry Valley Fire Department arrived with flashing lights and sirens, heralding the arrival of the last load of toys. The fire department also stayed after their drop-off, ensuring that each toy was packaged and loaded with utmost care.
When all is said and done, a remarkable 4,748 new toys stand ready for distribution. On December 12-14, these toys will reach the hands of local families in Winnebago County. Thanks to the kindness of individuals and events like the 12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive, these families will not only walk away with a bundle of Christmas toys but with the assurance that their community loves and supports them.
We'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals and community partners who breathed life into this event. From volunteers who worked tirelessly to talented musicians who provided the festive soundtrack of the day, the collective effort and community spirit were ever-present.
A special thank you to Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall—not only for their consistent donation of thousands of toys but for being the enduring host of this yearly event. In the span of 26 years, the 12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive has brought in over 216,000 toys and raised over $136,000 in donations. Through their continuing generosity, thousands of families have experienced brighter Christmas seasons.
Please join us in thanking the following:
- Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall and the Bachrodt Team
- Aramark
- 425 Manufacturing
- Cherry Valley Fire Department
- Dickerson Nieman Realtors
- Hunter United Methodist Church and Blaine United Methodist Church
- Kenco
- Meijer
- New Leaf Remodeling
- Slidematic
- Musicians: Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell, Christian Life Musical Theatre Class, Emerald Wind, Ron Holm, Bert & Lindy, and The Rockford Temple Salvation Army Band
- 13 WREX, Q98.5, 95.7 The Eagle, and 97ZOK
- All of the donors, volunteers, and individuals who made this event possible!