Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center launches annual Gift of Giving

The Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center hosts its 22nd annual Gift of Giving event to help those in need during the holidays.

The event runs through Dec. 17 at the facility at 309 Granada Blvd., Lindenhurst, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For details, call (847) 356-2288

Helping is easy:

1. Drop off clothing and toys at a pack rat container in the parking lot. Donations will be given to the Christopher House, Allendale, Open Arms Mission, PADS, The Haven Women’s Shelter, Winchester House, and The Olive Branch, to name a few. All donations will be brought directly to the source. Some of the clothing will be given to the homeless throughout December and January. Deadline is Dec. 17.

2. Contribute items to a “New Toys” box for the holiday hospital delivery. Toys will be taken to Stroger County Hospital, Shriners, U of C, Rush St. Luke’s, and Mt. Sinai Hospital the week before Christmas and be hand-delivered to children in the pediatric wards, including the burn units. Deadline Dec. 19.

3. Each child at the center will make a “care box” for a needy family. They will pack the box, decorate it and make a special card. Boxes will be delivered to the Lake Villa, Avon Township and PLAN (food pantries), Open Arms Mission, DCFS, and the Lake County Housing Authority. The community is asked to bring in the following items: toothpaste, disposable razors, toothbrush, Q-tips and cotton, deodorant, soap, shampoo, nonperishable foods, brushes or combs, paper towels. Deadline is Dec. 16.

4. A holiday tree is set up in the center’s hallway with “Adopt an Angel” tags on it. These tags will have the name of a foster child and their “wish list.” You may pick as many “Angels” as you would like. Please wrap all items with the wish-list attached. All donations will be brought to DCFS before Dec. 17.