MACHESNEY PARK GiGi S Playhouse Rockford hosted a drive-thru toy giveaway Saturday to spread some Christmas cheer after its annual Holidays and Heroes event was called off as a safety precaution amid the pandemic.
The Playhouse, which serves about 375 individuals with Down syndrome, gave out $100 gift cards to Meijer for 30 families who won a drawing. Rockford police officers were also on hand to distribute treat bags and books donated by local author Steve Cotone.
“We are trying to spread some Christmas cheer to Playhouse families with a little help from our friends at Meijer and the Rockford Police Department,” Playhouse Executive Director Karen Carlson said in a news release. “For the past few years, Meijer has generously contributed thousands of dollars to allow about 30 participants from the Playhouse to shop with a police officer for our ‘Holidays and Heroes’ event.