Celebrating 200,000 Toys and 27 Years of Giving
In December, Winnebago County celebrates the cherished 12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive, hosted by Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall. For over two decades, this event has brought joy to local children, ensuring they experience the magic of Christmas. The 27th edition, held on December 6, showcased our community’s kindness and generosity.
Families, businesses, and individuals came together to donate toys for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. This initiative connects compassionate donors with families in need, making Christmas possible for over 2,500 local children facing economic hardships this year.
As the day progressed, the Lou Bachrodt showroom transformed into a display of community spirit, with thousands of toys piling up. Contributions poured in from every corner of the county. Realtors from Dickerson & Nieman arrived with a U-Haul filled with brand-new bikes and helmets, wheeling in 55 bikes, one by one.
Businesses such as Slidematic, 425 Manufacturing, and New Leaf Remodeling donated truckloads filled with hundreds of new toys. Organizations, including Hunter and Blaine United Methodist Churches, also contributed by bringing in boxes filled with countless new toys. The outpouring of support was nothing short of extraordinary.
One of the most poignant moments came from a senior citizen who arrived early in the morning carrying a single toy car. “I like to donate each year, but times are tough for me this year,” he said. “All I can give is one toy, but it was important for me to give one.” His heartfelt gesture captured the essence of the day: every act of kindness matters.
As the sun began to set, the festive melodies of The Rockford Temple Band filled the air, setting the stage for the grand finale. As darkness fell, the Cherry Valley Fire Department arrived in a dazzling display of flashing lights and sirens. Their grand delivery of toys was a spectacular conclusion to a day brimming with goodwill.
The Fire Department not only delivered their contributions but also stayed to help pack and load each toy. Todd Transit generously donates transportation each year, ensuring that the toys are carefully loaded and sent to The Salvation Army's Christmas Headquarters in Rockford.
By the end of the day, an astonishing 7,117 new toys had been collected for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree toy distribution. From December 17 to 19, these gifts will make their way to the homes of families across Winnebago County, bringing not only joy but also the reassuring knowledge that their community stands beside them in times of need.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the Lou Bachrodt family and team. For 27 years, they have been the steadfast hosts of this event, creating a legacy of joy and generosity. This year marked an incredible milestone: over 200,000 toys collected since the event’s inception. Their efforts have touched countless lives, spreading warmth and happiness to families each Christmas season.
The 12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive is more than an event; it is a celebration of a community’s impact when it comes together with a shared purpose. To everyone who contributed—from those who donated a single toy to businesses that filled trucks with gifts—your generosity has lit up the lives of thousands. Thank you to the incredible volunteers and musicians who also brought life into the event. Here’s to continuing this beautiful tradition and ensuring that the magic of Christmas touches every child’s heart for years to come.
Thank you to the following:
- The Lou Bachrodt Family and Team
- Musicians: Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell, Jerry and Charmel Jacobs, and The Rockford Temple Salvation Army Band
- 13 WREX for their outstanding coverage of the event
- Stations Q98.5, 95.7 The Eagle, and 97ZOK for broadcasting live
- 425 Manufacturing
- Cherry Valley Fire Department
- City Body
- Dickerson & Nieman Realtors
- Hunter United Methodist Church and Blaine United Methodist Church
- Kenco
- New Leaf Remodeling
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Sherwin-Williams Powder Coatings
- Slidematic
- The Pension Specialists, LTD
- Todd Transit
- All of the donors, volunteers, and individuals who made this event possible!