Samaritan’s Purse
Through Nov. 22
Western Springs Baptist Church
4475 Wolf Road
https://www.samaritanspurse.org
Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Christmas Child will collect shoeboxes filled with gifts during its national collection week to distribute to children in need. For directions on packing a shoebox and drop-off hours, which vary daily, see the website listed above.
Secret Santa
Through Nov. 24
The Rotary Club of La Grange organizes this effort to provide gifts, clothes and other items for more than 900 kids whose families are clients of Pillars Community Health. People can adopt and shop for an individual child or donate needed items. Email JoAnn Williams at the address listed above to get involved.
Giving Tuesday Scholarship Fundraiser
Nov. 30
Il Poggiolo
8 E. First St., Hinsdale
The restaurant’s Giving Tuesday Scholarship Fundraiser is back. Tips and 20 percent of bar proceeds will go to a scholarship program supporting youth in need, foster youth and Chicago interns. Donations up to $4,000 will be matched. Donations also may be made online at https://www.econcouncil.org/giving. Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Pop-Up Bar
Dec. 3-4
Joe’s Saloon
9220 47th St., Brookfield
Come dressed as a favorite character to experience Martini’s and Nick’s while raising money to support BEDS Plus Care. There will be movie re-enactments, Clarence’s signature drink, raffles and more. Tickets include light snacks and a full open bar; only 150 will be sold per night. Time: 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets: $60, $75 at the door if available.
Toys for Tots
Herb Melin’s garage
5734 Monroe St., Hinsdale
Drop off unwrapped toys for kids ages 1-14, which will be donated to a local Marine Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. Please no stuffed animals or realistic toy weapons. Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Spirit Village
Dec. 4
Christ Church of Oak Brook
501 Oak Brook Road
christchurch.us/csvillage
Experience the wonder and whimsy of a Dickens-inspired wonderland and learn how to bring help and hope to people nearby and around the world. At this alternative shopping market, make contributions toward items like food and clothes for children or water for a village. A card that describes the project’s impact can be used to present the gift to the recipient. Enjoy live music, fellowship, tasty treats and activities for kids. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Blanket Drive
Through Dec. 5
Hinsdale Covenant Church
412 S. Garfield Ave.
(630) 323-2318
The church is holding its annual drive, collecting new or used blankets of any type — lap throws, baby blankets, spreads, sheets and towels. Donations may be left inside the church’s main entrance or placed by the front door on the benches. Pickups also can be scheduled. The items will be passed on to needy families in the inner city on Christmas Eve.
Adopt-a-Resident
Through Dec. 6
DuPage Care Center
400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton
The DuPage Care Center is inviting the community to help make the holidays brighter for residents of the Care Center through the Adopt-A-Resident program by providing much-needed items during the holiday season. Adopters will receive information about the resident, including gender, age and up to five items they would like. Gift requests average about $50 in value, and include items such as personal care products, gifts cards and clothes. Unwrapped items can be brought to the DuPage Care Center by Dec. 6. Gifts will be wrapped and distributed to the residents during holiday parties throughout the month of December. Gifts can also be purchased from the Care Center’s Amazon Wishlist. These items are used to fill additional resident needs. The wishlist can be found at https://a.co/32Amq0j. Items purchased from the wishlist should be sent to DuPage Care Center c/o Wishlist 2021, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Questions? Contact Elizabeth Walker at (630) 784-4260 or [email protected].
Tree of Remembrance
Through Dec. 25
Lincoln and First streets, Hinsdale
(630) 856-2003
Amita St. Thomas Hospice will decorate its Tree of Remembrance outside of BMO Harris Bank. Community members are able to make a donation and have a loved one’s name listed on the boards beside the tree. Call the number listed above for details.
Hinsdale Humane Society Gift Shop
https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Find the perfect gift for an animal-lover at the Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Rescue and Resource Center online gift shop. T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, stuffed animals and more are available for the humans on the gift list. Purchases help the organization care for the animals at the shelter.
D86 Threads Gift Shop
https://store.hinsdale86.org/?2ZUB475YAI=QCKJEI2AFF
The young adults from the Hinsdale Transition Center program can create custom spirit wear for the prefect holiday gift. Proceeds help support social outings for the program. Visit the website listed above to view products and pricing.
Sponsor a Homeless Animal
https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Animal sponsorships are a great way to support homeless animals and a great gift idea. For a minimum sponsorship of $50, recipients will help provide care for an animal of their choosing, receive a personalized gift sponsorship certificate with the pet’s photo and listing on the society’s website, if desired. Sponsorships can be purchased online. Questions? Call Deborah Kraus at (630) 323-5630, Ext. 32, or email her at [email protected].
Brookfield Zoo Adopt an Animal
https://www.czs.org/animaladoption
(708) 688-8341
This holiday season, shop for the purr-fect present without having to leave home. The Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Adoption program is highlighting several featured creatures: Hoffman’s Two-toed sloths Raisin and J.Law, Bunny reindeer, Heidi orangutan and Pistachio Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Donations to the program are gifts that give twice — helping to provide expert care and feeding of an animal for one year as well as giving a thoughtful and unique present to a loved one. Other animals also are available. The basic package includes a photo, certificate, fact sheet and more. Price: $35 basic package, $65 for plush package (includes stuffed animal).
