Toys for Tots
Nov. 26-27
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.
Blanket Drive
Through Nov. 27
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.
BEDS Plus Adopt a Family
Nov. 28-Dec. 15
BEDS Plus office
9601 E. Ogden Ave., La Grange
(708) 354-0858
Those looking to make a difference this holiday season for someone in need can choose from many BEDS Plus programs. The Adopt-A-Family Gift Giving Program matches a donor with clients who cannot afford to celebrate the holidays. The Holiday Gift Sets program asks donor to provide five or more gift bags filled with identical items for our adult clients. The third program is a set of client families identified to receive gifts through the Blackberry Market La Grange Giving Tree Program. Head to Blackberry Market today to learn more. Donors also can give through the Amazon.com wish list.
Photos with Santa Paws
Nov. 30 and Dec. 3
Pet Rescue and Resource Center
21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/events/santa-paws
(630) 323-5630
Hinsdale Humane Society will take family photos with Santa and friendly pet(s), complete with holiday vendors, reindeer food for the kids and more. Pictures will be available for download after the event. Register and choose a time slot on the website listed above. Times: 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3. Registration: $25 per family.
Gavin Coyle: A Celtic Christmas
Dec. 2
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Revel in the holiday spirit with award-winning recording artist Gavin Coyle as he brings his annual “A Celtic Christmas” back to the MAC. Sing along with Gavin and his band, pianist Paul Burgess, harpist Karen Fernandez and flautist Joanne Diebold, as they perform traditional holiday favorites from America and Ireland. Ticket proceeds benefit People’s Resource Center, a local nonprofit serving DuPage County since 1975. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $40.
Tree of Remembrance
Through Jan. 1
Lincoln and First streets, Hinsdale
http://www.adventhealth.com/hospice-care/adventhealth-st-thomas-hospice
Advent Health 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.
Hinsdale Humane Society Gift Shop
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Find the perfect gift for an animal-lover at the Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Rescue and Resource Center online gift shop and help raise money to care for homeless animals. T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags and stickers are available for the humans on the gift list. Purchases help the organization care for the animals at the shelter.
Sponsor a Homeless Animal
http://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 an optional 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].
D86 Threads Gift Shop
http://www.transitioncenter.hinsdale86.org/microbusiness-sales
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.
Brookfield Zoo Adopt an Animal
http://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 two featured creatures: Charlotte, a North American river otter, and Ato, a reticulated giraffe. 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).
