Shelter Club hosts holiday party for Allendale students

Allendale's annual holiday party, held Dec. 11 at its Lake Villa campus, had all the essentials: goodies, games, gifts, and a visit from St. Nick himself.

But this wasn't the work of Santa and his elves. It was the work of the Shelter Club of Illinois, Allendale Association's largest private donor, which has been improving the lives of Allendale kids for more than 100 years.

"We support Allendale year round," said Shelter Club President Jodie Nedeau. "But the holiday party is the highlight of our year."

Students came bearing handmade ornaments, which they proudly hung on the tree, and sang Christmas carols led by music teacher Katie Stuercke.

And then there were the presents.

Each Shelter Club member provided gifts for groups of four children, carefully consulting each child's wish list. This year, they gave gifts to more than 230 children, some who otherwise would have no gifts to open. On Christmas Day, they were set to provide brunch and gingerbread house kits for the 100-plus children staying on-campus.

The Shelter Club consists of 70 active members and nearly as many retired members, mostly from Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Over the years, they have contributed more than $13 million to Allendale.

They've funded projects big and small, including the recent construction of Allendale's new vocational education facility and the Allendale cafeteria, built in 2008.

They provide student scholarships for Allendale students who want to further their education beyond high school, and they engage in thoughtful little activities, like presenting each child with a "Birthday in a Bag" on his or her special day.

The Shelter Club's original affiliation with Allendale dates back to the early 1900s when a group of female members from the Children's Hospital Society launched a project to house homeless boys in Chicago. In 1909, the group later joined forces with Edward L. Bradley, Allendale's founder, and has remained a steadfast supporter of Allendale and its founding mission to help children and youth in need.

"Gifts come in all shapes and sizes," Allendale President Mary Shahbazian said. "The kids love their Christmas presents, but the Shelter Club's gifts to them go far beyond what's under the tree."