Dec. 5, 2025
VIROQUA, Wis. — The annual Vernon County Toys for Tots Chili Supper once again drew massive community support, serving as the organization’s major fundraiser and celebrating the decades of dedication poured into the mission of bringing joy to less fortunate children. The event was held Wednesday at the new Viroqua Fire Station on Nelson Parkway, welcoming diners who offered a freewill donation or new, unwrapped gifts.
At the center of the ongoing effort is Kay Deaver, who along with her husband, Ken, has overseen the local program for decades. The couple was recently recognized for their commitment by being named the 2025 Twinklefest parade marshals.
We talked to Kay at the even and she reflected on the history of the program, which began as a small, concerted effort and relies heavily on community backing.
“Well it’s probably between 30 and 40 years that Ken and I have been in charge of it,” said Deaver. “Yeah, our whole family pitches in. We have them when we start to pack and get ready. But like I said to some people tonight when I thanked them for coming, we don’t do this, Kenneth and I don’t do this alone. There are so many wonderful people out there that everybody does their part, and consequently, we help a lot of kids at Christmas time, which is wonderful.”
Deaver credited the Viroqua Fire Department for its long-standing partnership, which began with the chili supper itself. The event continues the tradition started by Lloyd Ray, who always made the chili, and whose legacy is carried on by the firemen today.
“This is, this is our big fundraiser and this started way back when Lloyd Ray, who was a wonderful man, and his wife,” said Deaver. “Darlene did a fantastic job to start this and way back when the fire station was downtown. We would go after church and we would pack and we would help Lloyd and Dar. And that’s when we all got started in there to go and do these things.”
The campaign consistently reaches hundreds of families throughout Vernon County, providing essential holiday magic. Last year, the program assisted nearly 400 families, and Deaver noted that this year’s efforts are showing strong results.
“It just varies, it depends,” said Deaver. “This year, the numbers are coming in quite well. People are being very generous and, like I said, it’s kindness that matters. And you know, and that kindness comes back to you.”
Deaver highlighted the immense effort required in the coming days, noting that volunteers, including about 10 regular “elves,” would be busy working.
“We have, we’re going to be busy two weeks. This is, this is the hustle week I would call,” said Deaver. “And then next week we’ll be in there, uh, two or three days ahead of time.”
The Viroqua Fire Department, operating out of the new building that Fire Chief Chad Buros helped construct, continued the chili supper tradition, though Deaver jokingly stepped around the local debate about noodles in the Chili. When asked about noodles, Deaver offered her family’s perspective. “How do I make it? I make chili. My mom always called anything with noodles in it, goulash. So there we are.”
How to Help and Important Deadlines
The Vernon County Toys for Tots program relies on community donations to serve children across the region.
Needed Donations The most critical need currently is for gifts for boys aged 10 to 12. The second greatest need is games. Donors can contribute in several ways:
- Monetary donations are welcomed, as the organizers use the funds to shop and fill specific age gaps, ensuring balanced distribution. New, unwrapped toys are welcome. Donations can be dropped off at the the Viroqua Fire Station, the Viroqua Police Station, Sleepy Hollow, and WVRQ.
Requesting Toys – Parents or guardians of children ages newborn to 12 years old who are Vernon County residents can request gifts.
- Families must call the Viroqua Police Department at 608-637-2121 or stop at the station at 1130 Nelson Parkway, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- They can also go to the city of Viroqua website where there is an online registration form under the Police Department tab.
- The deadline for sign-ups requests is Friday, Dec. 12. Only a guardian, mom, or dad can call in the request.
Pickup/Delivery Timeline
- Packing Day: December 13.
- Gifts Pickup: Pickup is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m..
- Location: Pickup takes place at 117 FS Drive, Viroqua, located next to H&R Block and Spaeth’s Flooring. Callers requesting assistance will be given specific information regarding pickup time and location by staff at the police station,.
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