Illinois Towmen Share Christmas Spirit

In the predawn cold at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, more than 100 tow trucks rolled in Sunday for the annual Tow Trucks for Tots parade. The stadium served as the launch point for a nearly five-mile route through Bridgeview, Summit, and Bedford Park.

Drivers arrived with flatbeds and wreckers stacked with unwrapped bikes, dolls, games, and stuffed animals. Despite light snow and a biting wind, operators from across the region came together to help children who might otherwise go without a gift.

“Tow truck drivers formed this group years ago and have worked together since to bring Christmas joy to as many kids as possible,” said Jim Bresnahan, owner of Chariot Towing in Countryside. “It’s great to see so many drivers join this cause every year. And it’s great to see people come out to watch the parade, especially on a cold day like today.”

Event founder Pat Winer said the mission remains unchanged since he launched it nearly 20 years ago: “to give toys to kids who don’t have many; to show tow truck drivers in a better way; and to get into the Guinness Book of World Records.”

Leading Sunday’s parade was AutoMedics driver Mark Sifuentes, who said, “My company asked if I wanted to join the parade, and I was excited. I didn’t expect to lead it. It’s an honor to be part of this great event.” Source: https://southwestregionalpublishing.com