The Naperville Park District is running five charitable and community programs this fall, giving residents several ways to donate, volunteer or sign up before the holiday season hits full speed.

The lineup, first reported by NCTV17, includes a Toys for Tots toy drive, Fee Assistance Program donations timed to Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, a charity golf tournament and a push for new volunteers.

Toys for Tots collection runs through Dec. 12

Park District Police are collecting new, unwrapped toys for the 2026 DuPage County Toys for Tots program, hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

The drive started Oct. 12 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 12, according to a Park District announcement.

Six drop-off locations are open:

  • Administration Building, 320 Jackson Ave. (vestibule collection box)
  • Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 Jackson Ave. (first-floor entrance, during operating hours)
  • Central Maintenance Facility, 427 W. Martin Ave. (vestibule collection box)
  • Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive (first-floor lobby, during operating hours)
  • Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road (during operating hours)
  • Springbrook Golf Course Golf Shop, 2220 W. 83rd St. (during operating hours)

The drive accepts only new, unwrapped toys. Stuffed animals, food, clothing and toy weapons are not accepted.

In the Park District's October announcement, Park Police Chief Steve Schindlbeck said the Naperville community "has been incredibly generous over the past 16 years of this campaign."

Fee Assistance donations and Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1, and the Park District is asking residents to consider donating to its Fee Assistance Program.

The program helps offset the cost of recreation programs and memberships for residents experiencing financial hardship, according to the Park District.

Approved applicants receive assistance for one program per season, up to $100. Preschool assistance caps at $300 across three seasons. The program is open to Park District residents only, and applicants must reapply each calendar year.

In 2024, 165 applications were approved and the program distributed $41,656, according to Park District records.

The program has grown 270% since 2008, the district said.

Turkey Shoot golf tournament

Golfers can close out the 2026 season at the annual Turkey Shoot golf tournament on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22.

Participants can choose to receive a prize turkey or donate its value to Operation Support Our Troops, a nonprofit.

Registration is by lottery only. The drawing takes place at Naperbrook Golf Course on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. Entry fees, format details and the number of available spots have not been published.

Volunteer opportunities

The Park District is also recruiting volunteers year-round to help run programs and events and maintain local parks. Residents can sign up through the district's volunteer page at napervilleparks.org.

Coming up: winter program registration

The 2026-2027 Winter Program Guide goes live on the Park District's website Dec. 2. Resident registration opens Dec. 7.