RESOLUTION DECLARING THE FIRST SUNDAY IN DECEMBER AS "TOYS FOR TOTS DAY IN CHICAGO"
Whereas, 2016 marks the 39 Anniversary of the Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade which is the largest of its kind in the world, 2016 is also the 69th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, and;
Whereas, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve coordinates the national Toys for Tots program with local units working in concert with communities and with recognized local social welfare agencies throughout the United States to customize each campaign to local needs, and;
Whereas, since 1978 the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade has conducted its annual event, first led by U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Ed "Aminal" Wisniewski and five other individuals. Eventually developing into a Chicagoland tradition involving tens of thousands of motorcyclists with many other donors, volunteer workers, corporations, small businesses, and officials of the private and public sector all donating their time, energies and moneys towards making a joyful Christmas holiday for children and organizations in need in the Chicagoland area.
Whereas, on Sunday December 4th 2016, hundreds of volunteers of the wonderful Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade will gather at the Dan Ryan Woods Grove at 85th and Western Avenue on Chicago's South Side. Whereby, they will orchestrate this motorcade to DeVry University on Chicago's North Side. They will be led by the "Jolly Old Elf and thousands of toy-bearing motorcyclists, to assist the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. These brand new toys being delivered via motorcycles will eventually be distributed to needy children throughout Chicagoland in time for Christmas, and;
Whereas, the leaders of this great City of Chicago join the volunteers of Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program in the motto and sentiment that "Every Needy Child Deserves a Brand New Toy For Christmas."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered this 16th day of November, 2016 call public attention to the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade's 39th Anniversary and the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program 69th Anniversary and in that regard do hereby declare that the 1st Sunday in December be known as:
TOYS FOR TOTS DAY IN CHICAGO.
Be It Further Resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Organization.