Elgin nonprofits bring it Home for the Holidays

Nonprofit organizations from across Elgin joined forces Saturday for the annual Home for the Holidays extravaganza to promote upcoming holiday activities, attractions and events.

About 14 organizations and dozens of craft stalls filled to foyer of Gail Borden Library.

Jason Pawlowski, managing director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, said the event is a way to showcase Elgin’s nonprofit community.

“It is a collaborative event and a chance for our nonprofits to come together and show what they have to offer,” Pawlowski said.

Organizations on hand included the Elgin Children’s Choir, the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau — a co-chair of the event — and the First Congressional Church.

Krisilee Murphy, director of marketing or the convention and visitors bureau, said the goal is to make Elgin a holiday destination.

“We want to draw in the tourists as well as the local community,” Murphy said. “There are so many nonprofit organizations, why not bring them together as a whole.”

While parents perused the various booths and craft tables, children created decorations for Elgin’s holiday tree, took photos with Santa and took part in carriage rides.

Myesha Sanders, of Elgin, had visited the library to vote but found a number of activities for her two children, including the children’s chorus and symphony.

“It is really great that they put this together,” Sanders said. “Everyone is getting ready for the holidays and even if you don’t celebrate Christmas you can enjoy the festivities.”