As you’re contemplating your own holiday giving, consider the 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 nonprofit and social service organizations in District 7 below.
To ensure your donation makes the biggest possible impact, I encourage you to explore how these organizations have changed operations during the pandemic. For example, some organizations are asking for e-gift cards or directing donors to an Amazon Wishlist this year to help protect donors, volunteers and the community.
If there is a local organization you feel should be added to this list, please visit http://senatorsteans.com/contact-us or call my office at 773-769-1717 with their information.
A Just Harvest
“Our new Wishlist of items needed this winter is listed below. We appreciate if you would drop off items at 7649 N. Paulina, Chicago IL 60626 with Attn to: David Crawford. Drop-off hours are 7 days a week from 10am-3pm. Thank you again for including us this holiday season.” -David, A Just Harvest
Gifts needs: pasta, diced tomatoes, canned vegetables, chicken/beef broth, canned meat- tuna, beef and chicken, mac n’ cheese, canned soup, baked beans, rice, dry beans, grits, cold cereal, instant oatmeal, instant mashed potatoes, Jewel gift cards.
Drop-off times: 7 days a week- 10am-3pm
7649 N. Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60626
Contact: David Crawford
(773) 262-2297
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alternatives Inc.
“Thank you for thinking of us at this time. Currently, we are accepting gift cards, which we would like to be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Below, you will find a list of gifts that we are looking to receive. If you have any questions, please contact Monica George.” -Alternatives, Inc
Gifts needed: headsets (w microphone ability), Divvy bike memberships, Ventra Transit Cards, hotspots, phones, iPads, Chromebooks, cases
Gift cards: Target, Walgreens, CVS or large chains. Preferably $10-$20 denominations.
Drop-off times: Monday- Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-1pm
4730 N Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Monica George
(703) 506-7474
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.alternativesyouth.org/
Between Friends Chicago
“Receiving gift cards via email will be best, because we can always email them to families. The best email to use is mine as I coordinate the distribution of gift cards every year, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our families shop at Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens. Having visa cards is also handy, because they can choose to go to any store and by any gift they wish for their children. Please let us know if you have any questions. I am also happy to pick up gift cards from you and mail them to families if that is more convenient.” -Between Friends Chicago
PO Box 608548
Chicago, IL 60660
Contact: Nancy Toncy
(773) 274-5232 ext. 111
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Care For Real
“We have decided to collect $20 Target gift cards for each child and also are offering folks to be able to purchase a board or picture book for our young children at Play Andersonville, if they want to provide something purchased locally. Please see the link below that outlines the specifics of our drive. The point person will be me, Kate Polgar, development manager. My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and phone is 773-769-6182 extension 116. We want to thank you for thinking of us this holiday season.” -the Team at Care For Real
Details on the Gift Drive: https://careforreal.org/giftdrive/
5339 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Kate Polgar, Development Manager
(773) 769-6182 ext.116
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(773) 769-6182
Centro Romero
Please call for donation details.
6216 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 508-5300
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
City of Evanston Holiday Food and Toy Drive
“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.
Gift needs: Toys, non-perishable food items, stuffing, green beans, yams, macaroni and cheese, corn and corn bread mix
2100 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
Contact: Melissa Parker
(847) 448-8255
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Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, Children’s Services
Please call for donation details.
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.
Cornerstone Outreach Pantry
Please call for donation details.
4628 N. Clifton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Darrell Thiessen
(773) 506-6396
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Envision Unlimited- Kruger Center
Please call for donation details.
Gifts needed: running shoes for men and women- all sizes, socks-all sizes, twin sheets, towels, blankets, toiletries
Gift cards: Jewel, Walmart and Walgreens
4919 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60602
Contact: Marcos Herrera
(773) 433-1415
Ethiopian Community Association
Please call for donation details.
Gifts needed: winter jackets, winter hats, gloves, scarves, socks, soaps, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, diapers, backpacks
5800 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
Contact : Michael Krepps
(773) 508-0303
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Ezra- Multi Service Center
Please call for donation details.
Pantry donations: bread, canned goods, canned chicken, canned salmon, tuna, canned soups(vegetarian), snacks, popcorn, crackers, nuts and seeds, canned ravioli, can openers, baby food, baby formula, coffee, tea
Hygiene donations: soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, facial soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand soap, hand sanitizer, dish soap, cleaning supplies, adult diapers, body wipes, baby diapers and wipes
909 W. Wilson Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-0866
Contact: Allison Lewis
(773) 467-3851
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Heartland Alliance Health (HAH)
“We are thankful to be included, in this year’s annual holiday collection of goods for our low-income men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. We are happy to announce that we have been adopted by the Lesbian Sheet Metal Workers and their Union. Your donations will help so many, we look forward to this holiday season.” – the Team at Heartland Alliance
Items needed: canned soups and stews, tuna, chili, peanut butter, jelly, hot and cold cereal, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, dish soap
Drop-off/shipping address: 5543 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640
Drop-off times: Tuesday- 12pm-6pm Thursday- 12pm-7pm
5543 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60640
Lori Cannon/Founder
(773) 271-5116
(773) 271-5110
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.heartlandalliance.org/vital
H.O.M.E. Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly
Please contact Nikki Moustafa for drop-off details or e-gift card instructions.
Gift cards: Amazon, Target and Walmart
Nathalie Salmon house
7320 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 303-6227
Contact: Nikki Moustafa- Housing Director
(773) 341-6910
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW)
“We are accepting gift cards and toys this year. W are accepting both physical gifts cards and e-gift cards can be sent to my email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our website www.how-inc.org will have all up-to-date information on the drive. Thank you for partnering with us this year.” -HOW
Gift cards: Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Jewel, Amazon
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1SLP06JTFIW9G?ref_=wl_share
Drop-off hours: Wednesdays from 9am-12pm at our office 1607 W. Howard St.
Mail-in items- Shipping address: 5442 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60640
1607 W. Howard St.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 465-5770
Contact: Noelle Moore
(773) 465-5770 x269
(831) 905-5340
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www.how-inc.org
Howard Area Community Center
“Firstly, I would like to thank you for thinking of Howard Area Community Center for your holiday gift giving. We greatly appreciate your support! This year due to COVID-19 we are changing the structure of our Winter Gifts Program. This year we will not be accepting any in-kind donations dropped off at our location. Instead we have setup a donation page where donors can donate to purchasing gift cards for our participants.” -HACC
Donation link: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/gfJ1TiPgw_Bg1Mfezs6UTQ
7648 N. Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60660
Contact: Emma Pressel
(773) 262-6622 ext.106
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inspiration Corporation
“For those who would like to donate, please visit our Amazon Wishlist here http://bit.ly/InspirationCorpWishList. We are not encouraging too many drop offs, but we will handle them on a case by case basis. For questions, please reach out to Hallie Witmer. We could use Ventra Passes, gloves, snacks and toiletries.” -Inspiration
Gift needs: Ventra Passes, gloves, snacks, toiletries
Amazon Wishlist: http://bit.ly/InspirationCorpWishList
4554 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Hallie Witmer
(773) 878-0981 ext.231
http://bit.ly/InspirationCorpWishList
Neon Youth Programs at Heartland Human Care Services
“At this time our staff are working remotely, therefore our offices are closed and we are unable to accept dropped off donations. At this time any items purchased for the program can be sent to 1404 Hinman Ave., 2W, Evanston, IL 60201. We would prefer e-gift cards since we can forward them quickly and directly to participants.”
Gift cards: Jewel, Aldi, Marshalls, TJMaxx, Target
Donations needed: warm-winter adult clothing, underwear, socks, gloves, coats, backpacks, insulated boots, personal hygiene products- deodorant, towels, washcloths, hand towels. Items for when a youth moves into a new apartment-bed linens, pillows, blankets, cleaning supplies, kitchen items, cooking utensils
Shipping address: 1404 Hinman Ave., 2W, Evanston, IL 60201
4411 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 336-6740
Contact: Corie Darling
(773) 336-6069
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Night Ministry
“Thank you thinking of us. Below are links to our two Amazon wish lists. The first is a list of general supplies that are needed, including the winter gear and hand and toe warmers. The second list is specifically for the holiday gifts that we’ll be handing out to the children we serve at our Health Outreach Bus this December. We are also accepting physical gifts, please see the list and drop-off address below. And lastly, we are asking for physical gift cards over digital gift cards. You can also drop donations off at our main office at 1735 N. Ashland Ave, Suite 2000. This address can also be used as the shipping address when you are purchasing items from the Amazon Wishlist. Our office isn’t fully staffed due to the pandemic, so we’re asking donors to schedule a drop-off ahead of time to make sure someone is available to accept the donation. The deadline for dropping off gifts and gift cards is Friday, December 11th.” – The Night Ministry Team
Gifts needed: Hand/toe warmers, gloves, winter gear, physical gift cards to Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, Walgreens, CVS
Drop-off times: Need to call and schedule ahead of time. Deadline is Friday, Dec. 11th.
Amazon Wishlists:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3KKOLWHCIPJPV/ref=bnav_topnav_lists_1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/Q08FVX619WL4/ref=bnav_topnav_lists_2
Main Office: 1735 N. Ashland Ave., Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60622
Contact: Miranda Dean
(773) 506-6022
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
North Side Housing
“Gift cards are ALWAYS welcome, please send all gift cards to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We would prefer gift cards from stores such as Target, Amazon, Walmart and local grocery stores as well. We also have an Amazon Wishlist link, please see below. Our shipping address/Drop-off address can also be found below. Receiving donations all at once with one drop off would be best for us, as our office is only open with limited hours currently. Drop-off times are Wednesday-Friday, 9am-4pm only. Thanks for your donations.“
-North Side Housing
Gifts needed: socks (men and women) hats, gloves, condoms, dish soap, blankets, bed linens, dishes, pots and pans, laundry basket, household supplies, face and bath towel.
Drop-off times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am-4pm
Amazon Wishlist:
4410 N Ravenswood Ave., Suite 101
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Laura Michalski
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our Lady of Lourdes
“We serve around 100 people every Wednesday from 5:30pm until 6:30pm. Our ministry has been serving the Uptown, Lakeview, Ravenswood & Edgewater Community since 1981. Please see our lists below that outline what items are needed this winter for our organization to serve people in need. We thank you for any donations you are able to make.” – Bill Thome at Our Lady of Lourdes Soup Kitchen
Gifts needed: travel sized toiletries (shampoo, soap, deodorant), hand warmers, thermal long underwear unisex- sizes Medium to XXLarge. Approximately 15 medium, 20 large, 30 x-large, 35 XXLarge.
Gift cards: $20 to Jewel or Target
Drop-off hours: Monday- Wednesday & Friday- 9am-12:30pm, 1pm-5pm Closed: Thursdays and weekends.
4640 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Office: (773) 561-2141
Contact: Bill Thome- Soup Kitchen Coordinator
C: (312) 783-3930
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sarah’s Circle
“We are not currently accepting donation drop-offs dur to COVID-19. We have set up a registry for this reason, so people can shop online, please send to 4838 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago IL 60640. Here is the link to our winter item registry: https://www.myregistry.com/wishlist/sarah-s-circle-chicago-il/2554431/giftlist . We are asking that you send physical gifts from our link, instead of sending gift cards. Thank you for thinking of us during the holidays.” -Sarah’s Circle Team
Gift registry: https://www.myregistry.com/wishlist/sarah-s-circle-chicago-il/2554431/giftlist
4838 N Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Dakota Chisholm
(773) 751-7454
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
St. Ignatius Church
Please call for donation details.
6559 N. Glenwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
Contact: Kathy Morris
(773) 764-5936
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St. Thomas of Canterbury
Please call for donation details.
4827 N. Kenmore Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Br. Ayub Mwenda
(773) 878-5507
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thresholds
Please call for donation details.
4101 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 508-6100
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Trilogy, Inc.
“We are asking this year for gift cards, CTA passes and physical gifts. Below, is our address, hours and details for donation drop-offs. Thank you very much!” – Trilogy
Gift cards: Jewel, Walgreens, CVS, Target
Gift needed: adult coats, hats, gloves, scarves, CTA passes
Donation times: Monday- Friday 8am-4:30pm @ 1400 W Greenleaf Ave. A receptionist will take the delivery upon receipt and pass it along to the appropriate staff.
1400 W. Greenleaf Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
Contact : Cheryl Hahn- Development Coordinator
(773) 564-4734
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.
United Church of Roger’s Park
“Donations can be dropped off at the church office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10am to 6pm. The address is 1545 W. Morse Ave., Chicago IL 60626. Thank you!” -Friends at UCRP
Gifts needed: Toys $10-$15 dollars each (age: newborn to 18 years old), No gun toys. Gift cards to grocery stores for the Holiday Cheer Program.
1545 W. Morse Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
Contact: Sabrina Bermingham
(773) 761-2500
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.
Uptown Baptist Church
Please call for donation details.
1011 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-2922
