As you’re contemplating your holiday giving this year, consider this network of organizations that serve our community and could use your support. These groups help our neighbors put food on the table, settle in new homes and stay warm during the winter. If you can lend a helping hand, please review the list of donation opportunities for non-profit and social service organizations in District 7 below. If there is a local organization that you feel should be added to this list, please reply to this email or call my office at 773-769-1717 with their information.
A Just Harvest
7649 N. Paulina St. Chicago, IL 60626
773-262-2297
Holiday Giving Opportunities 2019
Contact: David Crawford - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.ajustharvest.org
Needs:
- Gift cards- McDonalds, Subway, Dunkin Donuts
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soup
- Ramen noodles
- Grits
- Oatmeal
- Cold Cereal
- Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
- Bath soap
- Mouthwash
- On-line donations (www.ajustharvest.org)
Alternatives Inc.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-506-7474
Contact: Kirsten Rokke - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.alternativesyouth.org
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the front desk of the center. Alternatives, Inc. accepts donated goods to enhance and support the delivery of high-quality programs and services to youth.
Needs:
- Gift cards to restaurants or clothing stores
- Easel white board
- Post-it Easel Pads
- Ventra transit cards
- Spiral notebooks
Care For Real
5339 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60640
773-769-6182
- Up to 80 gender neutral journals
- 2 iPads
- Gift cards to Target, Walgreens, CVS or other large chains. Preferably in $10 and $20 denominations.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.careforreal.org
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Needs:
- Non-perishable food items
- Unwrapped new toys for children and teens (toys for teens are needed the most)
- New or gently used winter clothing including: coats, hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves for men, women and children
Centro Romero
6216 N. Clark St Chicago, IL 60660
773-508-5300
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.centroromero.org
- Gift cards to Target, Best Buy, Amazon, movie theaters, etc. for the teens and tweens (gift cards for these age groups are needed the most)
- Personal care products including: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream and razor blades
- Gas cards
- Diapers
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Needs:
- File cabinets
- Printer
- Printer paper
- Photo and video cameras (high demand)
- Paper shredder
- Transport van
City of Evanston Holiday Food and Toy Drive
2100 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-448-8255
Contact: Melissa Parker - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.cityofevanston.org
Please bring new unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items to the lobby of one of our drop- off sites between Nov. 3 and Dec. 13. Please be sure to check the expiration date of all food donations. We are also collecting donations for staple food items for holiday meals. If you prefer to make a donation, please send a contribution made payable to “City of Evanston Holiday Giving” to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Drop off sites are located at:
- Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., Sunday, Noon-6 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- North Branch Library, 2026 Central St., Monday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Chicago Ave./Main Street Branch Library, 900 Chicago Ave., Suite 102, Monday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St., Monday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, 1823 Church St., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Evanston Police Station, 1454 Elmwood Ave., accepting donations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Needs:
- Toys
- Non-perishable food items
- Stuffing
- Green beans
- Yams
- Macaroni and cheese
- Corn
- Corn bread mix
Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, Children's Services
2542 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-365-7277
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Needs:
- Art supplies for children ages birth-17
- Games
- Books
Cornerstone Outreach Pantry
4628 N. Clifton Ave.
Chicago IL 60640
773- 506-6396 x10
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Clothing Needs:
- Warm quality winter wear (used items in great condition are fine)
- Warm gloves (especially for large men) NOT magic gloves
- Warm winter hats
- Scarves
Toiletry Needs (new only):
- Shampoo and conditioner (full and travel sizes)
- Toothbrushes (adult and children)
- Toothbrush covers
- Toothpaste (adult and children)
- Lotion
- Deodorant (men and women)
- Mittens
- Smartwool socks or other sturdy extra warm socks (of all sizes)
- Long johns or long underwear (especially in larger adult sizes)
- Bars of soap
- Diapers (all ages)
- Wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Disposable razors
- Chapstick
Household Item Needs (can be used as long as in good condition):
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Warm blankets
- Twin size sheets
- Silverware (spoons, forks, knives)
- Reusable shopping bags
Envision Unlimited (Formerly Neuman Family Services) – Kruger Center
4919 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60602
Contact: Marcos Herrera This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone Number: 773.433.1415 www.envisionunlimited.org
Starting after Thanksgiving, please bring the following items to the Kruger Center on 4919 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60640. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Needs:
- Men's running shoes: Size 10 (2 pairs), Size 11 or 11.5 (2 pairs), Size 13 (1 pair)
- Women's running shoes: Sizes 7.5 – 12
- Sports bras: Sizes M, L, XL
- Socks: all sizes
- Shorts, tops and other running gear
- Gift certificates to grocery stores, restaurants, bowling alleys and gas stations
- Event tickets to local events like the Auto Show and Taste of Chicago, museums, sports games, the zoo, events at Navy Pier, plays, movies and amusement parks
- Small household items such as twin sheet sets and towels
- Large household items such as refrigerators, dressers, washers/dryers and stoves
- Landscaping items such as lawn mowers, work boots, vacuums and tools
- Exercise equipment such as dumbbells, exercise bikes, yoga mats and workout DVDs
- Instruments (key board, guitar, maracas, bells, etc.)
- CD player and music CDs
- DVD player
- Art and craft supplies such as beads and other items to make jewelry; yarn for knitting or crocheting (and needles), paint and paint brushes, and art paper
- Office supplies such as pens, notebooks and calculators
Ethiopian Community Association
5800 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
773-508-0303 x116
Contact: Michael Krepps - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Needs:
- Notebooks
- Loose-leaf paper
- Folders
- Pencils, sharpeners and erasers
- Pens (black or blue)
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Scissors
- Pencil cases
- Rulers
- Backpacks
- Art supplies
EZRA-Multi Service Center
909 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
773-275-0866
Needs
- Winter jackets
- Winter hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Socks
- Soaps, shampoo and lotion
- Deodorant
- Diapers
- Sanitary pads/tampons
- Projector
- Projector screen
- Display cases
- Shelving
Contact: Allison Lewis 773-467-This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.juf.org/ezra
Please bring the following items to 909 W. Wilson Ave.
Food Pantry Needs:
- Whole wheat sandwich bread
- Canned beans including: butter beans, baked beans, black beans, kidney
- beans, chick peas, pinto beans and black-eyed peas (low sodium if possible)
- Canned chicken
- Canned salmon
- Snacks including: pretzels, popcorn, crackers, trail mix and granola bars
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruit
- Canned prepared meals including: chili, beef ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, and beef stew
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit (preferably in water or juice)
- Whole wheat pasta
- Canned soups including vegetarian soups (low-fat, low-sodium)
- Can openers
- Coffee
- Tea
- Cereal/breakfast bars
- Rice/grains
- Baby formula
- Baby food
Hygiene Pantry Needs:
For hygiene products, we request regular household sized items
- New adult winter clothes (gloves, hats, scarves)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Bar soap
- Facial soap
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Shaving gel
- Toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Toothpaste
Financial Empowerment Supplies
- Small calculators
- Small accordion files for coupons
- Toothbrushes
- Floss
- Lotion
- Hand soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Laundry detergent
- Dish soap
- Cleaning supplies like household cleaners and sponges
- Adult diapers
- Body wipes
- Baby diapers
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
- Small notebook
- Pens
Newly Housed Kits
These kits will be distributed through our EFS department to clients who have recently secured housing following a period of homelessness or after first arriving in this country. It is up to the family completing the project to decide exactly what should go into these kits, but EZRA staff is happy to supply example lists to help them get started.
Kitchen starter kits:
- Full spice sets
- Cooking utensil set
Linens starter kits:
- Bath towels
- Sheets/Bed in a Box kits
Clean home starter kits:
- Cleaning supplies
Heartland Alliance Health (HAH)
5543 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL 60640
773-271-5110
- Laundry supplies
Lori Cannon/Founder 773-271-5116, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.heartlandalliance.org/vital
Please call for drop off times.
Needs:
- Canned soups and stews
- Tuna
- Chili
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Hot and cold cereal
- Cleaning supplies
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Kleenex
- Women’s feminine supplies
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Personal toiletry
H.O.M.E. Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly
1419 W Carroll Ave., Floor 2
Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: Nikki Moustafa This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (773) 303-6227.
Donation items can be dropped off at the Natalie Salmon House from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 7320 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626.
Needs:
- Ceramic Mugs
- Water Glasses
- Silverware
- Pots and Pans (new only)
- Cooking utensils (new only)
- Winter hats, gloves, socks (new only)
- Full and twin sheets
- Full and twin comforters and quilts (new only)
- Pillows (new only)
- Bath towels (new only)
- Quilts and Blankets (new only)
Housing Opportunities for Women
1607 W. Howard St.
Chicago, IL 60626
773-465-5770
Contact: Noelle MooreThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.773-465-5770 ext. 257
Needs: HOW provides supportive housing and wrap around services to individuals and families that have experienced trauma and instability. At this time of year, we strive to share some cheer and alleviate the stress and financial burden many clients feel during the holidays. The Holiday Wish Program is a chance to share the spirit of the season by purchasing gifts for families or individuals living in HOW housing. Most client requests are for clothes, toys, bedding, retail or grocery gift cards. Those interested in being matched with a wish list or learning more about the holiday need can visit the website https://www.how-inc.org/holidaywish to sign up.
Drop Off Times: HOW offices are open from 9:00am-5:00pm, drop offs can be scheduled with Noelle Moore.
Howard Area Community Center
7648 N. Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60660
Contact: Maxine Bailey (773) 262-6622 ext. 24This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.howardarea.org
We are seeking the following gift packages this year (please note that for health reasons, we are only able to accept new items in the original, unopened packaging). Drop off location is at 7648 N Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60626
Needs:
- Winter Apparel Pack: Coat, hat, gloves, scarf, socks
- Book Bag Pack: Backpack and school supplies
- Infant and Toffler Pack: Bulk diapers
- Family Gift Cards: Target, Jewel-Osco, Walgreens, CVS (in the amount of $25)
Drop off dates :
|
Date |
|
Monday, December 9th |
|
Tuesday, December 10th |
Inspiration Corporation
4554 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-0981 ext. 222
Contact: Hallie Witmer – 773-878-0981 ext.231, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.inspirationcorp.org
Drop off donations M-F 9-5
Needs:
- Daily or weekly Ventra passes
- Travel sized toiletries
- Warm winter gloves
Neon Street Dorms
4411 N. Ravenswood Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-336-6740
Contact: Corie Darling - 773-336-6069,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.heartlandalliance.org
Needs:
- Gift Cards: Jewel Osco, Aldi,
Marshalls/TJMaxx and Target
- Warm winter adult clothing including: underwear, socks, gloves, hats and coats
- Backpacks
- Boots/insulated shoes
- Personal hygiene products, especially deodorant
- Towels, washcloths and hand towels
- Backpacks
- Start-up kits for when a youth moves into a new apartment – bed linens, pillows
- blankets, cleaning supplies, kitchen items (plates, glasses, silverware etc.)
The Night Ministry
4711 N. Ravenswood Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
773-506-6004
Contact: Gail Bernoff – 773-506-6019, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.thenightministry.org
Drop off hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call ahead to inquire about donating items other than those listed below.
Needs:
o Hand and toe warmers
o $10 gift cards to: Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, CVS, Walgreens
o Adult warm winter hat and scarves in dark colors
Northside Community Resources
1530 W. Morse Ave.
Phone: 773-338-7722 (ext. 6) then (ext. 22) Contact:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.northThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..org
Needs:
- Canned and non-perishable food to be distributed to clients.
North Side Housing and Supportive Services
4410 N Ravenswood Ave., Suite 101
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Nicole Bahena - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Needs:
- Men’s underwear
- Socks, men and women
- Hats and gloves, men and women
- Condoms
- Dish soap
- Blankets (fleece, twin size)
- Bed linens
- Blankets
- Dishes
- Pots and pans
- Laundry baskets
Our Lady of Lourdes
4640 N Ashland Ave. Chicago IL 60640
773-561-2141
- Household supplies
- Face and bath towels
- Cleaning supplies (sponges, rags, soap, Lysol wipes, dusting spray, etc.)
Contact: Father Michael Shanahan - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.ololchicago.org
Please drop off donations at the Rectory, located at 4640 N. Ashland Ave. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- Noon and 1 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Needs:
- Gift Cards for Walgreens, McDonalds, Burger King, CVS, Target and Jewel
Sarah's Circle
4838 N Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60640
773 -728-1014
Contact: Dakota Chisholm 773-751-7454, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All donation drop-offs can be made to our 4838 N. Sheridan Road location Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Calling ahead of time to 773-728-1014 ext. 314 to notify us of your drop-off is greatly appreciated.
Needs:
- Gloves Scarves Winter Hats Backpacks Warm Socks
- Underwear (L, XL) Earbuds
- Ventra Cards (single ride, 1 day, 3 day, 7 day)
- Deodorant (travel size) Q Tips
- Face/Body Lotion (travel size) Disposable Razors
- Body Wash or Bar Soap (travel size) Toothpaste (travel size)
- Mouthwash (travel size) Hand Sanitizer (travel size)
- Cold Medicine (pill form preferred) Cough Drops
- Incontinence Pads for Women Adult Diapers for WOmen Tissue Packs (travel size)
St. Ignatius Church
6559 N. Glenwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60626
773-764-5936
Contact: Kathy Morris ext. 14 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.stignatiuschurch.org
We are seeking items for our food pantry as well as personal items. Please drop off donations at the following times: Mondays and Thursdays 3 until 7 pm, Tuesday Closed, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 until 5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 until 1:30 pm.
Needs:
- Soups
- Tuna
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- 1-2 pounds of rice
- 1 pound of pasta
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Hot cocoa
- Granola
- Coffee
- Tea
- Juice
- Syrup
- Cookies
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Tooth brushes
- Kleenex
- Toilet paper
St. Thomas of Canterbury
4827 N. Kenmore Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-5507
Contact: Br. Ayub Mwenda- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.stcuptown.com
Drop off donations Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Rectory next door to the church. Please ring the bell.
Needs:
- Hats (for men and women)
- Gloves (for men and women)
- Socks (for men and women)
- Children’s warm winter clothes
Thresholds
4101 N. Ravenswood Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 773.508.6100
- Shoes for Men, Women, Children
- Small toiletries
- Children’s toys (ages birth-15)
- Target or Jewel gift cards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.thresholds.org
Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Needs:
- Winter clothing
- Larger sized clothes
- Men's socks
Trilogy
1400 W. Greenleaf Ave. Chicago, IL 60626
773-382-4048
Contact: Sarah - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.trilogyinc.org
Needs:
- Adult coats
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Personal care products
- Non-perishable food items
- Feminine care products
- Gift cards for: Jewel, CVS, Walgreens and Target
- CTA passes
United Church of Rogers Park, Soup Kitchen
1545 W. Morse Ave.
Chicago IL 60626
773-761-2500
Contact: Sabrina Bermingham This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.ucrogerspark.org
Accepting donations Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Please have all donations in by Monday, Dec.11 and call ahead to drop off donations.
- Toys $10-15 dollars each (age: newborn to 18 years old), no toy guns
Needs:
- Gift cards to grocery stores for Holiday Cheer Program
Uptown Baptist Church
1011 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-784-2922
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Donations are accepted Mondays Noon-6 p.m.
Needs:
- Non-perishable food items
- Paper cups and plates
- Blankets
- Winter Coats, hats, gloves
- Socks
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Heather Steans is pushing for new ethics reforms in the wake of scandals surrounding numerous Springfield lawmakers in recent months, passing legislation out of the Senate today.
