Help serve the community this Christmas

The Humanitarian Service Project of DuPage County is calling for donations of new toys and nonperishable food to support underprivileged children and families through its annual Christmas Offering. It has been putting gifts under the tree for local children in need since 1979. This year, it is projected to serve 350 families with nutritious groceries as well as provide 1,600 children and 125 seniors with Christmas gifts.

There are a number of ways to support the program including participating in the "Giving Tree" program. Donations of unwrapped toys for children between 8-15 years old are especially needed. They are receiving calls daily from impoverished families hoping to have their children included on the waiting list for Christmas.

Donations of nonperishable food and monetary support are also needed to provide groceries to 350 families served by this program. For a monetary sponsorship of $60 per family, donors can ensure the children and their families have access to healthy foods during this period of particular financial stress for those struggling with poverty.

Humanitarian Service Project also has volunteer spots available during daytime hours on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 11, 12 or the week of Dec. 15 as they prepare to distribute the food and gifts to the families and seniors. Those interested in volunteering should contact the Humanitarian Service Project to reserve a time slot.

Since its inception 36 years ago, Humanitarian Service Project has spread holiday joy to the neediest members of DuPage and Kane counties.

Executive Director Kristin Maxwell said of the project, "Over the years, I have seen firsthand the joy on children's faces when they receive gifts. I have seen parents cry and have heard the words of appreciation from them when they tell us that without our help their children would not receive anything. When we all come together to help those in need we truly make Christmas miracles happen."

For details, contact the Humanitarian Service Project at hsp@humanitarianservice.org or visit www.humanitarianservice.org. To learn more, read the blog at humanitarianserviceproject.blogspot.com.

The mission of the Humanitarian Service Project is to alleviate the pain and suffering that poverty creates in seniors and children living in DuPage and Kane counties. Last year during the Christmas Offering Project, 1,600 children received gifts and 350 impoverished families receive groceries. With the Senior Citizen Project, it provides monthly food deliveries and secret pal gifts to 125 low-income seniors. The Children's Birthday Project reaches the youngest underprivileged, making birthdays and Christmas truly memorable occasions for 925 children. Feed the Kids provides 100 low-income families with groceries and fresh produce during the summer months. It conducts an annual school supply drive that benefits over 5,000 children by giving supplies to the DuPage Back to School Fair, Kane County's "Project Backpack" and directly to schools and individual children.