Bloomingdale chamber, 18 businesses raise money to help homeless

The Parade of Gingerbread Houses run by the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce last month raised $400 for charity - maybe not a lot, but "every dollar means something," said chamber CEO Cindy Allston.

St. Isidore Church in Bloomington was this year's recipient and got the donation last week Wednesday.

The parish will put the money toward the meals the church gives to DuPage PADS for the homeless.

Eighteen businesses participated in the holiday-themed parade. Shoppers gave cash donations to vote for their favorite gingerbread houses at the businesses.

Shoppers got stamps from each participating business and sent in their completed map to the chamber for a chance to win $250.

The most money was collected at Bloomingdale Chiropractor, where the gingerbread theme was a tropical Christmas.

Even though the chamber raised less than hoped, Allston said that she still hopes to bring the parade back.

"We definitely want to keep trying and stick with it," Allston said. "Every dollar means something. We want to do anything that highlights our businesses and helps those in need."