Palatine Jaycees helping local families this season

The Palatine Jaycees are hosting their 54th annual Christmas tree sale through Dec. 18 at the Palatine Park District Aquatic Center to raise money for individuals and civic groups in the Palatine area.

Hours are 6-9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.

The Jaycees also are sponsoring a Santa’s Mailbox. Children who mail a letter to Santa on the Christmas tree lot before Dec. 17 will get a reply from Santa. Letters must include a return address.

“Our Christmas tree sale has always been one of my favorite projects,” said Chrissy Trilling-Raices, president of the Palatine Jaycees. “We get to share the holiday spirit with our neighbors. Then, the proceeds allow the Palatine Jaycees to continue our involvement in the community.”

This year the Palatine Jaycees will donate nearly $10,000 during December. They will provide holiday gifts for four families and several more individuals in need. For underprivileged children, the Jaycees co-sponsor a Kid’s Holiday Party for 150 deserving children on Dec. 14.

For seniors, they sponsor a holiday party at the Senior Center on Dec. 20. And, with their Shopping Spree for Military Families project, the Jaycees will give out gift cards to 10 military families and provide personal shoppers to help the families make the holidays brighter.