With winter officially less than a month away and the weather getting colder, both Waukegan Township and the Waukegan Public Library have programs to help people keep themselves warmer while outside.
Hats, gloves and care kits are part of the library’s Giving Tree. Township officials are preparing to take packages containing hats, gloves and scarves to holiday celebrations they are arranging at apartment buildings housing primarily senior citizens in Waukegan and North Chicago.
“Ultimately, our goal is not just to warm their hands and ears, but also their hearts,” Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc Jones said. “We will be providing the Christmas spirit to some who may not be able to be with family or friends this holiday season.”
Waukegan Township officials will be taking holiday celebrations with gifts to eight apartment projects between Dec. 8 and 12 in Waukegan and North Chicago, providing winter accessories and an hour of holiday cheer.
The Waukegan Public Library’s Giving Tree will be available for people to take hats, gloves or a care kit during regular operating hours through Jan. 30.
For more than 10 years, Jones said township personnel have provided hats, gloves and scarves to people in the community who may have “limited access to secure these items on their own.”
“Residents gather in the common area,” Jones said. “We may bring a pizza. We’ll be in festive attire when we give them their gifts. It’s a really good time.
“We make it a really festive visit,” he continued. “This is a way to support and enhance the mental and physical well-being of our most vulnerable community members.”
Along with the holiday cheer, Jones said Serenity Health will provide a wellness check for those who want one.
Starting the tour at Poe Manor and Ravine Terrace in Waukegan on Dec. 8, the group will go to the Onan Suites and Sunset Village on Dec. 9, as well as Cinnamon Lake Towers and Regency on Dec. 10, all in Waukegan.
Going to North Chicago, the group will visit Kukala Towers and Thompson Manor. There will be drop-offs only on Dec. 12 at Bayside Terrace, Elevate Care, the Pavilion and Terrace Nursing Homes.
Along with reaching seniors who may not be able to venture far from home at holiday time, Jones said the township is handing out $150 Walmart gift cards on a first-come, first-served basis. They are geared to families with children.
“These are for families with children so they can have toys and other items,” Jones said. “We want them to have a wonderful Christmas despite the challenges so many are facing right now.
When people walk into the Waukegan Public Library, Jennyfer Cordova, the library’s communications and community engagement manager, said they will see a holiday tree with gifts — hats, gloves and care kits –beneath it.
“They can take one of each from under the tree,” Cordova said. “If people want to donate, the items must be new or unused.”
