$25,000 Allegedly Stolen From Toys for Tots

By Chris Bentley in News on Dec 20, 2011 5:30PM

We wouldn't touch whoever allegedly embezzled $25,000 from the local Toys for Tots with a 39 and a half foot pole.

$25,000 is missing from Toys for Tots Chicagoland. A former volunteer allegedly embezzled the money, about one year’s worth of cash donations, starving the charity’s supply of holiday gifts for poor and disadvantaged children across Chicago and its suburbs.

Police in Bridgeview, where Toys for Tots’ warehouse is located, have been investigating the alleged embezzlement for eight months, but no charges have been filed.

The Sun-Times reported an unnamed board member resigned in April after the alleged theft was uncovered:

The former board member said his home was in foreclosure and that his financial troubles began when his wife “went on a spending spree.” He said he does not believe that she stole from Toys for Tots and that “nothing has been proven” but added that “anything’s possible, because she’s bipolar.”

Police have not spoken to him or his wife since April, he said.

Their warehouse at 8900 S. Odell Ave. is still accepting toy donations, but volunteers also hope people will donate money online at chicagolandtft.org.