Santa is trading his sleigh and reindeer for tow trucks again this year as dozens of the decorated vehicles full of toys will make their way through the streets of Bridgeview, Bedford Park and Summit Sunday morning during the 18th annual Tow Trucks for Tots parade.
This starting point of this year’s event changed after years of originating from the Joliet Raceway to Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. This year, the parade leaves Bridgeview at 9 a.m.
Drivers from across Chicagoland will start lining up around 6 a.m. before leaving for the two-mile trek through the three suburbs. Tow trucks will begin leaving the parking lot around 9 a.m. for the two-mile loop through the neighborhoods before returning to the stadium.
“The tow truck community looks forward to this (event) every year,” said Jim Bresnahan, owner and operator of Chariot Towing in Countryside and one of the event’s coordinators. “And it’s great to see so many families lining the parade route to see the trucks all decorated.”
Bresnahan said the parade is one way of “shining a bright light on the good work tow truck operators do throughout the year.”
In fact, he said that the event held a Guiness Book of World Records for the longest tow truck parade, a distinction it held for 10 years.
He said Tow Trucks For Tots has three main goals: To bring much needed toys to very deserving children; To further enhance the image of the towing industry; to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest tow truck parade.
During the months before the parade, tow truck operators are encouraged to collect toys for children up to the age of 18. Some even host parties and fundraisers to collect toys or monetary donations.
Bresnahan said he hoped Tow Trucks for Tots would eventually be celebrated in many different states and countries.
“The towing community, made up of owners, drivers, families, friends and suppliers are a wonderful group of individuals who are more than just people who tow your car. We love helping our local communities, our customers and those who are in need.
“We are a 24-hour industry that is composed of many different individuals and vehicles, from the little one-ton trucks, all the way up to the heavy-duty trucks that tow semis,” Bresnahan said.
“Tow Trucks for Tots would like to thank everyone who has ever attended, donated or helped in the planning of our events. Without our supporters, we would not have had many successful years, full of donations to less fortunate families in the holiday season.”During the months before the parade, tow truck operators are encouraged to collect toys for children up to the age of 18. Some even host parties and fundraisers to collect toys or monetary donations.
Bresnahan said he hoped Tow Trucks for Tots would eventually be celebrated in many different states and countries.
“The towing community, made up of owners, drivers, families, friends and suppliers are a wonderful group of individuals who are more than just people who tow your car. We love helping our local communities, our customers and those who are in need.
“We are a 24-hour industry that is composed of many different individuals and vehicles, from the little one-ton trucks, all the way up to the heavy-duty trucks that tow semis,” Bresnahan said.
“Tow Trucks for Tots would like to thank everyone who has ever attended, donated or helped in the planning of our events. Without our supporters, we would not have had many successful years, full of donations to less fortunate families in the holiday season.”