DuPage holiday party has Chicago woman to thank

The DuPage County office where Mishael Sherley works is a 49-mile drive from her home on Chicago's far South Side.

But that doesn't dampen her strong desire to help underprivileged families here.

Each year, Sherley rallies her co-workers at Dearborn National in Lombard to raise hundreds of dollars for a holiday party DuPage County hosts for participants in its Family Self-Sufficiency program.

The program helps HUD-assisted families achieve economic self-sufficiency, officials said. Participants receive comprehensive case management, counseling, and educational and employment planning.

Mary Keating, DuPage's director of community services, says the annual holiday party serves a dual purpose.

"It's for the kids to celebrate the holidays and get gifts," Keating said. "The more important part is the celebration of the accomplishments of the families over the year."

This year's party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, at Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn. About 80 families are expected to attend.

As noble as the cause may be, the county can't spend taxpayer money on the event.

That's where several private companies help. Employees with those businesses donate cash to buy food and entertainment for the party. The workers also buy gifts for the children who attend.

Sherley has spent a decade doing fundraising at her job.

"It feels good to know that our giving is what's allowing these families - mostly women and children - to have a party," she said.

This year, the fundraising at Dearborn National began in early November with a chili cook-off that was followed by a bake sale. The events combined raised more than $500. Sherley also was selling "casual passes" that allow her colleagues to wear casual clothing during holiday weeks.

"We have various things going on - anything we can do to generate money for the kids," said Sherley, who is a quality auditor.

In addition, Sherley and her co-workers bought presents for dozens of children. She says most of the kids ask for simple things that we take for granted.

"Last year, one 10-year-old boy said he just wanted some black socks," she recalled.

It's the kind of request that motivates Sherley.

"You want to give more and do more," she said. "I want to do better than what we did last year. We have those kids depending on us."

Sherley and several of her co-workers also donate their time to the party.

On Dec. 3, they will be serving food, cleaning up and doing other tasks. It will give the county employees the chance to interact with the children and their parents.

"I like seeing them together," she said. "The kids are all excited. The music is going, and there's games and food. It's just a fun time."

Keating said DuPage officials are thankful for the Sherley's efforts.

"County staff couldn't possibly pull this off every year," Keating said. "We wouldn't have the resources, particularly for the gifts and the number of volunteers it takes to run the party. So it's people like Mishael that really help make it happen."