Local opportunities to give this holiday season
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, consider joining the global #GivingTuesday effort (www.givingtuesday.org) or the local #ILGIVE (www.ilgive.com) and give some heartfelt gifts this holiday season. There are many opportunities right here in St. Charles to donate time, talent or treasure on Nov. 27 and beyond. Below are two opportunities coordinated by the City of St. Charles.
Giving Tree:
Stop by the Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., to help undecorate the city's Giving Tree, coordinated by the city's employee wellness team. The tree is in the reception area and decorated with gift wishes of two local groups: seniors at Elderday Center and children in need from St. Charles Unit District 303.
The children's gifts are being collected as part of a community-wide program involving 45 local businesses. Coordinated with District 303 school counselors to identify children in need within the district, the program hopes to give gifts for 450 children this year. For more information, contact program organizer Minor Mobley at office@excelautostc.com.
To participate, select one or more tags from the tree, purchase the item(s), and return the unwrapped gift(s) to the Giving Tree at city hall, 2 E. Main St., by Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Items on the tags are at all price levels. The gifts will be wrapped and delivered in time for Christmas. Cash donations are welcome, too, and will be used to purchase items on tags not selected.
Cash donations may be left with the city receptionist. Contact the Human Resources Department at (630) 377-4446 with questions.
Neighbors in Need:
Neighbors in Need helps financially struggling St. Charles residents pay their City utility bills. Write the amount you would like to donate on the payment stub of your utility bill and add it to the amount of your payment.
Online payers can drop of a check or mail it to: Neighbors in Need, City of St. Charles, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174.
One hundred percent of donations go directly to helping St. Charles residents. Contact Utility Billing at (630) 377-4426 or utilitybilling@stcharlesil.gov for more information.
Share the Good:
Because the wonderful feeling you get from giving is contagious, send a photo of your giveback moments to share the joy and inspire others. Message the photos on the city's Facebook page, tag #cityofstcharlesil on Instagram, tweet to @cityofstcharles or email lgarhan@stcharlesil.gov.