n Operation Christmas Child
Through Nov. 20
Hope Church
5707 Wolf Road, LaGrange Highlands
http://www.samaritanspurse.org
Fill a shoe box with toys, hygiene items and school supples to help The Samaritan’s Purse deliver millions of shoe boxes to boys and girls in more than 100 countries this year. Find directions on the “How to Pack a Shoebox” link on the website listed above and then drop off donations at the church. Cash donations also can be made on the website.
n Blood drive
Nov. 22
American Legion Post 1941
900 S. La Grange Road, La Grange
http://www.redcrossblood.org/elf
Donations are critical to the blood supply as the holiday season — a time when blood donations often decline — draws near. The American Red Cross is encouraging people to add a new tradition and spread cheer with a blood or platelet donation. Those who do so by Nov. 30 will receive an exclusive pair of “Elf” + Red Cross socks, while supplies last. For other dates and locations, visit the website listed above. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
n Blanket drive
Through Nov. 26
Hinsdale Covenant Church
412 S. Garfield Ave.
(630) 323-2318
The church is holding its annual drive, collecting new or gently used blankets of any type — lap throws, baby blankets, spreads, sheets and towels. Donations may be left inside the church’s main entrance. Pickups also can be scheduled. The items will be passed on to needy families in the inner city on Christmas Eve. Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
n Gavin Coyle: A Celtic Christmas
Dec. 1
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 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. Donations of food, books and board games also will be collected at the performance. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $40.
n Photos with Santa Paws
Dec. 2
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. Check the website for more details as they become available.
n Juniors Jingle Dash 5K
Dec. 10
Robbins Park
Seventh and Vine streets, Hinsdale
http://www.runsignup.com/race/IL/Hinsdale/JuniorsJingleDash
This third annual event will raise money to support the grants the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club makes to local nonprofits. Enjoy post-race snacks and a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Festive holiday dress is encouraged. T-shirts are guaranteed for everyone who registers by Nov. 24. Registration closes Dec. 9. Time: 8 a.m. Registration: $40, $20 for kids 18 and younger, strollers are free; $5 more on race day.
n Secret Santa
http://www.lagrangerotary.org/service
The Rotary Club of La Grange and Pillars Community Health are once again asking for families for gift cards or monetary donations for their annual Secret Santa program, which serves children up to age 17 in need in Hinsdale and several neighboring communities. The most-needed items are Legos, board games, blankets, sports balls, children’s books, toys for ages 1-3, art supplies and batteries (AA, AAA, C and D). Gifts also can be purchased on Amazon through a link at the website listed above. A list of drop-off locations also is posted there.
n 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 invited 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
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.
n Sponsor a Homeless Animal
http://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 an optional listing on the society’s website, if desired. Sponsorships can be purchased online. Questions? Call (630) 323-5630 or send an email to [email protected].
n Brookfield Zoo Adopt an Animal
http://www.czs.org/AdoptMeerkat
(708) 688-8341
The Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Adoption program is highlighting two species this holiday season: Kinda, the giraffe calf born Aug. 19 and the meerkat mob that arrived over the summer. Other animals also are available. The basic package includes a photo, certificate, fact sheet and more. Price: $35 basic package, $165 for plush package (includes stuffed animal).
