It has been a tough year for many of our suburban neighbors. People in many industries have suffered sweeping layoffs or had their businesses suffer or close because of the pandemic. If you can help during this “Season of Giving,” here are some very local organizations that need donations now more than ever.
Elmwood Park
The Elmwood Park Public Library is collecting nonperishable food for a local Eagle Scout project. Bring donations to the collection box in the library’s lobby. For details, call 708-453-7645.
Franklin Park
Interfaith Outreach, 2825 Hawthorne St., has a food pantry that serves Leyden Township. They need cash donations, food items, and especially winter clothing, including coats, boots, gloves, hats, sweatshirts and scarves. Because of the pandemic, they are currently only accepting new clothing. For details on dropping off a donation, contact Lois Sullivan, Hawthorne Site Coordinator, at 708-638-2320. Cash donations may be mailed to Interfaith Outreach—SABAH, 9920 W. Grand Ave., Franklin Park, IL 60131.
Leyden Family Services is seeking donations for its food pantry. Canned and other nonperishable food can be dropped off at Franklin Park Village Hall, 9500 Belmont Ave. A collection box will be available through the end of the year. They are also accepting gift cards from local grocery stores. For further information, call 847-671-8236. You can also mail gift cards directly to Leyden Family Service, Attn: Food Pantry, 10001 W. Grand Ave., Franklin Park, IL 60131.
Shooting Stars Silent Auction. Through Dec. 18. Virtual. wssra.net. Bid on packages ranging from a Family Game Night to a Wine Lovers Delight with proceeds benefitting the Franklin Park-based West Suburban Special Recreation Association.
Lincolnwood
Toys for Tots Reverse Parade. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8. Lincolnwood Town Center East RoomPlace Parking Lot, 3333 W. Touhy Ave. Fee is a toy donation. 847-674-1219; lincolnwoodtowncenter.com/events-news/event/2020/12/08/default-calendar/toys-for-tots-reverse-parade. Drive by to drop off an unwrapped gift and your kids will get a stocking filled with surprises from Santa Claus and his elves. There will be music and a variety of vehicles for kids to view. In addition, Toys for Tots drop-off boxes are located throughout Lincolnwood, including at the Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave; Republic Bank, 4433 W. Touhy Ave.; and Lincolnwood Village Hall, 6900 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincolnwood proclaimed December as Niles Township Food Pantry Awareness Month. The Food Pantry provides food at no cost to around 4,000 low-income individuals per month. They are in need of nonperishable food items, toiletries, infant and small children items, and cash donations. For details, visit nilestownshipgov.com/food-pantry-news.
Morton Grove
Blood Drive. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5. National Park Fieldhouse, 9325 Marion Ave. 877-258-4825; vitalant.org, group code 879A. Appointments are required to adhere to social distancing, and everyone must wear face masks. Donors will receive a coupon for a pint of Culver’s frozen custard.
Niles
Niles Family Services Food Pantry needs nonperishable food items and cash donations. Food donations are being accepted by appointment only. Call 847-588-8460 to schedule a donation. Checks can be mailed to Niles Family Services, 999 Civic Center Drive, Third Floor, Niles, IL 60714. For additional information, visit vniles.com/259/Family-Services.
Norridge
The Village of Norridge has drop-off locations for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program at the Village Hall lobby, 4000 N. Olcott, and the Police Station lobby, 4020 N. Olcott. They are accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 8. For details call 708-453-0800 or visit villageofnorridge.com.
The Norridge Police Department is seeking monetary donations for its Shop with a Cop program to provide children with clothing, shoes, coats, boots and a toy for the holiday season. Donations are accepted by cash or check made payable to Shop with a Cop, c/o Norridge Police Department, 4020 N. Olcott Ave., Norridge, IL 60706. For details, call 708-453-4770 or visit villageofnorridge.com.
Oak Park
Beyond Hunger food pantry is seeking donations of food or cash. Office hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. but they request that people call 708-386-1324 before coming. Monetary donations can be mailed to 848 Lake St., Oak Park, Il 60301. For additional details visit gobeyondhunger.org.
Name That Jingle. 8-10 p.m. Dec. 11. Virtual, presented by Hephzibah Western Auxiliary of Oak Park. $25 per person. 708-649-7140; hephzibahhome.org/event/name-that-jingle. Couples or teams are invited to don jammies, ugly sweaters, or holiday best for this event featuring DJ duo Tyler and Steph Qualio. Proceeds will benefit Hephzibah Western Auxiliary. Email stephqualio@gmail.com to register.
Oak Park and River Forest
Virtual Holiday Housewalk & Raffle. Dec. 4-30. Virtual. $55-$1,000 ticket packages available. 708-406-8661; childrenscliniciws.org. You will virtually tour five beautiful homes in Oak Park and River Forest that are decorated for the holidays. There will also be holiday how-to videos. Proceeds benefit the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society.
Park Ridge
Park Ridge Community Church is holding a Christmas Toy Drive to benefit the Fraternite Notre Dame, which operates a religious and humanitarian mission in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Every Christmas they feed 1,000 people and give a gift to every child. Drop off unwrapped gifts in the Christmas box located in the sanctuary, 100 S. Courtland Ave. For details, call 847-823-3164 or visit parkridgecommuitychurch.org.
River Forest
St. Vincent Ferrer Parish is conducting a St. Nicholas New Sock Drive through Dec. 12 because socks are among the most valuable clothing pieces needed by homeless people. Bring socks to the Parish Office, 1530 Jackson Ave. For further information, call 708-366-7090 or visit svfparish.org.
River Grove
Santa Stop Food Drive. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 12. Throughout River Grove. 708-716-5033; rivergroveil.gov/152/Fire-Department. Call the Fire Department to schedule a socially distant visit with Santa. Residents are asked to leave nonperishable food donations for the River Grove Food Pantry on their porch. Once firemen have loaded the donated food, Santa will take a socially distant photo with the children.
