Imperial Oak Brewing patrons and staff collect items for kids in need this holiday season

The holiday season brought out the best in the craft beer community at Imperial Oak Brewing and confirmed their placement on the Big Guy's nice list!

Generous patrons and staff brought in unwrapped toys from Dec. 13-16 and were traded a complimentary pint for their efforts.

Toy donations then went to Breakthrough, which partners with those affected by poverty.

The Breakthrough Christmas Store provides families in Chicago's East Garfield Park neighborhood a dignified way to get gifts for their loved ones.

The fundraiser, which took place over four days, brought in approximately 100 toy donations.

According to Grant Hamilton, owner, "The generosity of the Imperial Oak Brewing customers and staff is heart-warming; there isn't a better way to celebrate the season. We're proud to be in communities that care about giving back to those less fortunate."

Imperial Oak Brewing's charitable efforts to give back to the community continue throughout the year.

Donations and partnerships with various non-profits range from local schools to national organizations. Earlier this week, Imperial Oak hosted a gift wrap event where 100% of proceeds went directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Imperial Oak Brewing is a small brewery that puts the beer first. The focus is on imperial strength and barrel-aged brews while offering an ever-changing variety of styles to satisfy a wide range of tastes. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of beer on tap, on-premise bottles, and beer to-go in cans, bottles, and crowlers. Imperial Oak Brewing opened in Willow Springs in 2013 and added a second location in Brookfield in 2020 as the vision of two home brewers, Brett Semenske and Grant Hamilton, as well as the owner of a craft beer bar, Chris DiBraccio. All have a passion for making (and drinking) great beer while providing a unique space for guests to enjoy.

Visit imperialoakbrewing.com or www.facebook.com/ImperialOakBrewing/.