InterFaith Aurora to host its Thanksgiving celebration

Songs and religious praise will be featured when InterFaith Aurora sponsors its 12th annual Thanksgiving Celebration of Music and Friendship.

The observance will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at Society 57, 100 S. River St. A freewill collection will benefit the Neighbor Project in Aurora, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping low- and moderate-income families reduce debt, build credit, save and ultimately buy their first homes.

This year's theme is "One Aurora: Community. Diversity. Empathy."

"This celebration is the culmination of our yearlong activities where different faith communities work to bring understanding, inclusion, awareness and friendship of each other in order to work toward a more harmonious and just community," said Tammy Helfrich, the organization's coordinator.

There will be readings from members of the Baha'i, Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities, and music from the choir of the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church and a multi-community choir.

Other groups that have received donations as a result of the celebration include the Jesse Torres Boxing Club, CASA Kane County, Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, and Family Counseling Service of Aurora.

Participants in this year's event are the Aurora Jewish Renewal Congregation, Temple B'nai Israel, St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, The Orchard Community, The Sikh Community, Al Aqsa Mosque, Hindu Community, United for Peace, Baha'i Community, St. John United Church of Christ and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

InterFaith Aurora, a nonprofit organization, has been in existence for roughly 20 years. The group meets monthly.

For details, contact Tammy Helfrich at tammy@theorchardcommunity.com or call (630) 862-9621.