Gifts for Yanks
Dec. 7
Hinsdale American Legion Post 250 will be collecting at various times and locations in Hinsdale and adjacent towns, on corners and in shopping areas. The American Legion state organization started this program 50 years ago. All funds collected are used to buy comfort gifts for veterans in local hospitals and nursing homes. Donations also may be mailed to Post 250 at PO Box 92, Hinsdale, IL 60522-0092.
Toy Drive Drive
Dec. 7
Burdi
24 W. Hinsdale Ave.
Drive your toy and bring a toy to this fifth annual event. Bring a non-plush, new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Marines Toys for Tots program. Time: 10 a.m. coffee and doughnuts, 11 a.m. arrival of caravan from MP Cars of Chicago.
Student Holiday Art Sale
Dec. 7
Hinsdale Central High School
Grant Street entrance
The Hinsdale Central Art Club and National Honor Society are holding a winter art sale that is open to the public. Please bring cash for purchases. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday Meal Program
Through Dec. 7
http://www.solvehungertoday.org
The Northern Illinois Food Bank’s 25th 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 60,000 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.
Juniors Jingle Dash 5K
Dec. 8
Robbins Park
Seventh and Vine streets, Hinsdale
http://www.runsignup.com/race/IL/Hinsdale/JuniorsJingleDash
This fourth 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 includes a T-shirt while supplies last. Time: 8 a.m. Registration: $45, $20 for kids 11-18, $10 for kids 10 and under, strollers are free.
Holly Jolly Trolley
Dec. 12
Immanuel Hall
320 S. Grant St.
Enjoy a trolley ride to view village lights, “Nutcracker” performances by Salt Creek Ballet Company dancers, meet and greet with the ballerinas and a cookie or refreshment. Attendees must attend at the time slot purchased. Proceeds benefit the Hinsdale Historical Society. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $45, free for infants up to age 1 who will sit on a parent’s lap.
Clothing and Winterwear Drive
Through Dec. 17
Hinsdale Central
5500 S. Grant St.
Donation gently used clothes to USAGain in support of Repurposing for Ecology Club and to bring awareness for Homelessness Awareness Month for Habitat for Humanity Service Club. Drop donations in boxes at the circle drive or Grant Street entrance.
Gavin Coyle: A Celtic Christmas
Dec. 20
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.
An Evening of Opera
Dec. 21
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
Bring the whole family for this evening of opera, song and holiday favorites performed by award-winning baritone Jonathan Beyer. All proceeds benefit The Community House. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $50, $25 for kids 18 and younger.
Rally for a Clause
Dec. 24
Net Game
145 Plaza Drive, Westmont
Six-time Grand Slam semifinalist Caroline Dolehide will host this pickleball contest, which is the inaugural event of the Chicago Style Foundation. Participants will enjoy pickleball, prizes, raffles, food, drinks and a paddle raise auction. Proceeds support the Love Like Sean Foundation and Chicago Youth Centers. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets: $100, $50 for students, military, first responders and teachers.
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, beanies, water bottles are more 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 (630) 323-5630 or send an email to [email protected].
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.
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. The closest drives are in Downers Grove on Dec. 5 and 27, Western Springs on Dec. 13, La Grange on Dec. 18 and Oak Brook on Dec. 26. Visit the website listed above or call (800) 733-2767 to make an appointment.
