n ‘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.
n Holiday Shopping
Dec. 4
J.McLaughlin
53 S. Washington St., Hinsdale
(630) 468-2597
Enjoy festive sips and shopping in support of the Hinsdale Rotary Club Foundation. The club will receive 15 percent of sales. Visit in store or shop by phone, with curbside pickup, complimentary gift wrap and shipping available. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
n Toys for Tots
Dec. 4
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.
n Burdi Toys for Tots drive
Dec. 4
Burdi
24 W. Hinsdale Ave.
(630) 468-2126
Drive over in a favorite car and bring an unwrapped non-plush toy donation for the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. Then admire the cars driven by members of Checked It Out car club. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
n 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 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.
n 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.
n Holiday Gifts for Hinsdale Central Teachers
Through Dec. 10
https://www.hinsdalecentralfoundation.org
Honor a teacher, coach, sponsor, counselor or staff member with a donation to the Hinsdale Central Foundation in their name. The individual will receive a letter with the donor’s message included and a special certificate to display. Donations support programs that benefit teachers, students and families. Visit the website listed above to participate.
n Tree of Remembrance
Through Jan. 1
Lincoln and First streets, Hinsdale
https://www.amitahealth.org/giving/make-a-gift/make-a-gift-amita-health-adventist-st-thomas-hospice
Amita St. Thomas Hospice’s Tree of Remembrance will stand outside of BMO Harris Bank from Thanksgiving through the new year. Community members are able to make a donation and have a loved one’s name listed on the boards beside the tree. Visit the website listed above for details.
n 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.
n 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.
n Sponsor a Homeless Animal
https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
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].
n Brookfield Zoo Adopt an Animal
https://www.czs.org/animaladoption
(708) 688-8341
Shop for the purr-fect present without having to leave home. Donations to the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Adoption program help to provide expert care and feeding of an animal for one year and are a thoughtful and unique present to a loved one. Several animals are available. The basic package includes a photo, certificate, fact sheet and more. Price: $35 basic package, $65 for plush package (includes stuffed animal).