Choir sings holiday tunes, raises funds

Some carol from door to door in the chilly weather.

Others watch and sing with neighbors inside a heated church.

Itasca's St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church again plans to unite the community during its 17th annual Itasca Family Christmas Concert. The concert is planned for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

The church, at 524 N. Rush St., has been hosting a concert that over the years has raised about $55,000 - all of which has been donated to area organizations.

"The idea is to bring people together who like to sing beautiful music at this time of the year," said Karen Smith-Michael, the church's publicity coordinator. "And really to have a charitable fundraiser that gives back to our community."

This year's concert will feature the Combined Church Choir of Itasca, the Salt Creek Sinfonietta and the Combined Handbell Choir of Itasca.

Traditional and popular carols will be presented. Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for children three through 12 and free for children two and under.

The choir is made up of singers from churches in Itasca, Elk Grove, Wheaton, Addison, Wood Dale, Roselle and Chicago.

Money raised from the event will benefit DuPage PADS, the Itasca Food Pantry and the Itasca Walk-in Ministry.

"To me it is just a continuation of the idea and the spirit that's behind it," Michael said. "We know that these are difficult times, and hopefully (we'll make) a dent in what is needed here in the Itasca community by our work."