Little Friends launches Giving Tree program

Little Friends is launching its annual Giving Tree Program with a celebrity bartending event this week.

Celebrity bartenders will serve drinks from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at TopGolf, 3211 Odyssey Court, Naperville. Proceeds will benefit programs and services provided by Little Friends to serve children and adults with autism and other developmental disorders.

Starting in mid-November, Giving Trees can be found in businesses across the Western suburbs. To participate, simply choose a tag from one of the Giving Trees, purchase and wrap the gift and return it to the business location by Friday, Dec. 11.

"Individuals whose names appear on the Giving Tree tags are in financial need and would receive few or no gifts this holiday season if it were not for the generosity of our community," said Renee Miklosik, director of special events and volunteers.

In addition to the Giving Trees Program, Little Friends seeks groups willing to host various drives by collecting nonperishable food items and warm weather clothing.

For more information on how you can help this holiday season, call Miklosik at (630) 281-1882.

For a complete list of Giving Tree locations, visit littlefriendsinc.org.