Senator Craig Wilcox has expressed gratitude to community members who contributed to the 2025 Toys for Tots drive, which was organized in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps. Wilcox noted that donations filled the collection bin at his office and were picked up for distribution.
“I want to thank everyone who donated a new, unwrapped toy to this year’s Toys for Tots collection, done in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps. The collection bin at my office was overflowing with gifts for kids of all ages! Our donations were picked up today,” Wilcox stated.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring every child receives a gift during the holidays and acknowledged Toys for Tots’ long-standing role since 1947 in delivering toys and gifts to children in need. “I’m sure you would agree that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, should have a gift to open over the holidays, and Toys for Tots has provided toys and other gifts to kids since 1947. The annual toy collection campaign is vital to the organization’s mission of spreading cheer and a message of hope to children in need,” he said.
Wilcox explained that local campaigns take place annually across more than 800 communities nationwide, with collected toys distributed by coordinators working alongside social welfare agencies and community groups.
“The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks of the Marine Corps Reserve collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children in need in Los Angeles, California. The program was expanded nationwide the following year. Since its inception, Toys for Tots has delivered millions of toys, books, and other gifts to children,” he added.
Wilcox also addressed legislative issues affecting Illinois workers. He criticized Democratic leaders for not advancing Senate Bill 140—a measure he sponsors—which would exempt tip income from state taxation. “Despite Illinoisans across the state struggling under the rising costs of living, Governor Pritzker and Springfield Democrats declined to extend tax relief for tipped workers by blocking legislation I am sponsoring that would have provided help,” Wilcox said.
“Senate Bill 140, a proposal to exempt tip income from state taxation, was filed several months ago, yet Democratic leaders have not allowed even a basic hearing on the bill. Their refusal to advance the measure shows tax relief for working families is simply not a priority,” he continued.
He argued that without action on this bill, workers face complicated federal and state tax rules instead of straightforward relief: “Because lawmakers failed to act, workers now face confusing and conflicting federal and state tax rules. Instead of straightforward relief, they are left with more paperwork and less money in their pockets.”
Wilcox further criticized previous decisions by Democrats regarding state tax policy: “This missed opportunity comes on the heels of Democrats’ earlier move to decouple state law from federal tax reforms, effectively raising taxes on job creators. This decision will chase away investment, slow wage growth, and make it harder for businesses and families across Illinois.”
He called again for consideration of SB 140: “Illinois families need leaders willing to protect paychecks, simplify taxes, and put working people first. I am renewing my call that Democrat leaders hold a hearing on SB 140 and allow for real consideration to be given to legislation that could deliver relief to tipped workers across the state.” Wilcox was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 32nd District in 2018 after succeeding Pamela Althoff.
On another topic related to federal assistance programs, Wilcox reported that Illinois is among states declining requests from federal officials seeking detailed data about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) operations amid concerns about fraud rates approaching $100 billion annually nationwide. Since 2017 error rates have nearly doubled in Illinois—reaching over eleven percent by 2024—and states exceeding ten percent must repay part of their benefits under recent changes.
Federal authorities set December 8 as a deadline for states’ responses regarding SNAP data requests as part of efforts against fraud within food assistance programs.
The report also mentioned an initiative led by the Illinois Municipal League (IML) ahead of America’s semiquincentennial anniversary: municipalities are invited statewide to contribute items such as photographs or letters reflecting local heritage into an America250 Time Capsule scheduled for burial at IML headquarters until July 4th ,2076—the nation’s tricentennial anniversary . More information is available through resources provided by IML at iml.org/IL250 .
Finally ,the Illinois Department of Revenue urged residents shopping online during holiday season remain vigilant against scams . According PEW Research Center ,one-third adults report being targeted by online shopping scams while FBI recorded $16 .6 billion losses due internet crimes last year . IDOR recommends consumers use trusted retailers ,credit cards rather than debit cards ,secure websites ,strong passwords with multifactor authentication ,avoid public Wi-Fi during transactions ,monitor accounts regularly ,and watch out delivery scams .
