n Coat/clothing drive
Through Dec. 8
Hinsdale Central High School
5500 S. Grant St.
The Red Devil Service Club is hosting a coat and clothing drive to benefit Cradles to Crayons. Winter coats and gear for children are needed most. Donations may be dropped off in the boxes at the Grant Street or 55th Street entrances.
n Happy Pawlidays
Dec. 9
Marcus
101 S. Washington St.
Get your pet’s picture taken with Santa Paws, enjoy raffles, drinks and light bites, and go home with a goodie bag at this event, with 10 percent of all sales benefiting Hinsdale Humane Society. Hours: noon to 3 p.m.
n ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Pop-up Bar
Dec. 9
Joe’s Saloon
9220 47th St., Brookfield
This annual event, benefiting Beds Plus and hosted by Compassion United Methodist Church, recreates Martini’s and Nick’s. Dress as a favorite character from the film, enjoy re-enactments, try Clarence’s flaming rum punch and enjoy trivia questions. Time: 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets: $75 each, limit four.
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. 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 Toy drive
Through Dec. 14
Hinsdale Central High School
5500 S. Grant St.
Hinsdale Central’s Habitat for Humanity club is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps to collect new, unused toys that will be donated to Toys for Tots. Donations can be dropped off at the Grant Street Plaza or circle drive entrance.
n Holiday Meal Program
Through Dec. 25
http://www.solvehungertoday.org
The Northern Illinois Food Bank’s 24th annual campaign to ensure all neighbors can enjoy a special holiday meal with loved ones is under way. This year, with the support of generous sponsors and volunteers, the food bank will provide 50,000 holiday meal boxes to neighbors facing hunger across 13 counties in suburban and rural northern Illinois. Each box serves a family of six to eight and is packed with traditional trimmings for a complete holiday meal. Every $1 donated can provide $8 worth of groceries for a neighbor in need. To donate, visit the website listed above.
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. Purchases help the organization care for the animals at the shelter.
n 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 (630) 323-5630 or send an email to [email protected].
n 150th anniversary blankets
Village Hall
19 E. Chicago Ave.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7000
A limited edition cozy blanket with a delightful design that incorporates the 150th anniversary logo, beautifully celebrating Hinsdale’s rich history and vibrant community spirit, makes a great holiday gift. They come with a water-resistant backing, perfect for a picnic at KLM Park or any favorite spot. Proceeds help support local projects that preserve Hinsdale’s beauty. Cost: $20.
n Red Cross Blood Drive
As schedules fill up with travel and holiday celebrations with friends and family, the American Red Cross is urging people to set aside some time to make a lifesaving blood or platelet donation. Thanks to Prime Video and its new film, “Candy Cane Lane,” those who come to give by Dec. 31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. Those who donate by Dec. 17 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email, and donors from Dec. 18 to Jan. 5 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt. The closest drives are in Western Springs on Dec. 15, Oak Brook on Dec. 18 and La Grange on Dec. 27. Visit the website listed above or call (800) 733-2767 to make an appointment.
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 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. 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, $165 for plush package (includes stuffed animal).
