Christmas program to serve local families in need
In the coming weeks, the Humanitarian Service Project of DuPage County will serve 350 underprivileged, local families with nutritious groceries as well as provide Christmas gifts to needy children and senior citizens through its annual Christmas Offering program. The nonprofit is calling for donations of new toys and nonperishable food to ensure the success of this program.
More than 1,600 impoverished children throughout DuPage and Kane counties will receive Christmas gifts through the Christmas Offering. 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.
The Humanitarian Service Project also has volunteer spots available during daytime hours on Dec. 11, 15, 17-19 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, the Humanitarian Service Project has spread holiday joy to the neediest members of DuPage and Kane.
Executive Director Kristin Maxwell said of the project, "I am blessed every day to see the difference we make in people's lives. Thanks to the generosity of the community, families and seniors are receiving the support they need."
For details, email hsp@humanitarianservice.org or visit www.humanitarianservice.org. Follow their blog, humanitarianserviceproject.blogspot.com.
The Humanitarian Service Project's mission 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, HSP 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. HSP 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.