DuPage PADS and Union Church partner to give those in need a Christmas treat
The Interim Housing Center lobby in Downers Grove gradually filled with children and parents Dec. 19 as DuPage PADS held its annual Christmas party, complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus, to spread cheer among the county’s under-resourced population.
April Redzic, president and CEO of DuPage PADS, said there are currently about 300 residents at the center, one-third of them children.
“Everyone’s welcome to come see Santa, but our younger ones probably get most excited,” Redzic said with a smile.
Union Church of Hinsdale’s ministry of change was instrumental in staging the event by helping provide the goods identified on children’s wish lists. Union Church member and Hinsdale native James Lang was on hand to help facilitate the event. Lang said the joy among the participants is evident.
“Seeing the looks on the kids’ faces is very cool,” Lang said.
Holding the gathering in the IHC lobby was a Christmas celebration in itself. The organization, which provides shelter and services for the county’s homeless population, purchased the former Red Roof Inn property in 2022 and has been carrying out a complete renovation since. Redzic said last year’s holiday party had to be held in much tighter quarter upstairs that lacked the cheer and brightness of the festively festooned lobby.
Hinsdale residents and Union Church members Mary Sue and Jim Honigschmidt were back as the famous Christmas couple after serving last year, eager to evoke smiles and gift wishes from enthralled — albeit at times apprehensive — youngsters.
“We have these outfits, and we just like to give,” Mary Sue said. “(The kids) are so cute.”
The older kids who may act too old for Santa often harbor a deep desire for the life-elevating possibilities he represents.
“The junior high kids just want to be like everybody else, with bikes and UGG boots,” Mary Sue said.
Chad Pedigo, DuPage PADS’ vice president of development, said IHC residents stay free of charge, with an average length of stay between six and 10 months. Previously churches in area communities, including Hinsdale, served as shelters one day a week where people slept on the floor in a common room.
“Here you have the dignity of a door with your own beds and personal bathroom,” he said, noting residents can also avail themselves of employment and other services.
Redzic said one her favorite moments of the evening actually happened out in the complex.
“We had a family in quarantine with a major health issue, so Santa and Mrs. Claus went with me to knock on their window, and wave, and tell them Merry Christmas,” she said.
The special house call didn’t go unnoticed.
“On our way back, we did a walk around the property on the sidewalk, and so many of our adults came to shake Santa’s hand and receive some cheer. It did them a world of good,” Redzic recounted.
Expressions of gratitude were a common refrain.
“Everybody’s appreciative,” said Lang, who was also preparing to cook Christmas Eve meals for residents and then serve them out of the IHC’s newly completed kitchen,
More giving, more hope.
“It’s a wonderful experience,” he said.
