Dec 20, 2024
Two Bachrodt On State Employees with the toy donations behind them.

The 27th annual “12 Hours of Salvation” Toy Drive was an incredible celebration of community spirit and generosity. Hosted at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall, the event brought together families, volunteers, and donors to make this holiday season brighter for children in need. We had festive performances made by the talented Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell, Jerry and Charmel Jacobs, and the uplifting Rockford Temple Salvation Army Band. Santa himself made a special appearance, delighting children and adults alike with holiday cheer.

The outcome of this year’s toy drive was nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we collected over 7,000 toys and raised nearly $11,000. Most excitingly, this event marked a significant milestone—our 200,000th toy since the start of this holiday tradition! From bikes to board games, every contribution played a vital role in creating magical moments for countless children.

We couldn’t have done this without the hard work of our volunteers, the dedication of local groups, and the kindness of each person who supported this cause. Whether you donated a toy, shared the event, or lent a helping hand, you’ve made a lasting difference.

We would like to say a special thanks to:

  • SolidLine Media
  • Chicago Independent Auction
  • BMO Wealth Management
  • Saavedra Group Architects
  • Scandroli Construction
  • Ally Banking
  • Slidematic
  • Dickerson Nieman Realtors
  • New Leaf Remodeling
  • Todd Transit
  • Kenco
  • Sherwin-Williams Powder Coatings
  • The Pension Specialists, LTD
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank
  • Cherry Valley Fire Department
  • Gerry’s Pizza
  • Machine Shed Restaurant

This event would not have been possible without you and your contributions. Our Broadcast Partners including WREX, Q 98.5, 97 ZOK, and 96.7 the Eagle made this event something special and we want to give them a shout out and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

On behalf of everyone at Lou Bachrodt, thank you for joining us in making this year’s “12 Hours of Salvation” Toy Drive a resounding success. Together, we’ve proven the power of community and the magic of giving. Here’s to spreading joy and creating smiles this holiday season!

We cannot wait to continue this work in the future! See you all next year and happy holidays!