Wheaton Gives Back includes winter gear drive and unloading food truck

The Wheaton Community Relations Commission is introducing "Wheaton Gives Back," opportunities for residents to get involved. An expansion of Make a Difference Day, the new effort will include a Winter Gear Drive and a volunteer opportunity to unload food for residents in need.

In partnership with the People's Resource Center and Downtown Wheaton Association, the commission is collecting new or gently used hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens for the People's Resource Center in October.

Collection boxes are located throughout downtown Wheaton at the following locations: Adelle's, 535 W Liberty Drive; AlphaGraphics, 128 N. Main St.; Barcacao Chocolat, 112 N. Main St.; DuPage Art League, 218 W. Front St.; Edward Jones, 110 E. Wesley St.; Egglectic Cafe, 145 N. Hale St.; Extract Juicery, 114 N. Main St.; Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St.; Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, 123 W. Wesley St.; Jerry Evans School of Music, 210 N. Main St.; Marquiz Salon & Spa, 222 W. Front St.; Midwest Cyclery, 117 E. Front St.; MilaGrace Boutique, 107 E. Front St.; Moore Toys & Gadgets, 107 E. Front St.; Pedego Electric Bikes, 128 W. Liberty Drive; Studio 29 Salon and Spa, 109 W. Front St.; Wheaton Garden Works, 305 S. Naperville Road; Wheaton Mulch Inc., 709 Childs St.; and Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St.

For a map, go to www.wheaton.il.us.

The collected mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves will be donated to the People's Resource Center.

New items will be part of the People's Resource Center's Clothes Closet and newer items will be distributed during the "Share the Spirit" program during the holidays.

There will be a special collection on Saturday, Oct. 29 during Downtown Wheaton Association's trick-or-treating event.

<h3 class="briefHead">Volunteers needed</h3>

The commission is also looking for volunteers to unload food collected as part of the People's Resource Center's "Stuff-A-Truck" event on Friday, Oct. 21. Volunteers are needed for two shifts: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Prolonged standing and lifting is required. To sign up for a shift, volunteers can visit www.wheaton.il.us. A representative from the PRC will contact volunteers.

The deadline to sign up is Friday, Oct. 14.

The Wheaton Gives Back program will be expanded in future years to provide volunteer opportunities throughout the month of October. The Wheaton Community Relations Commission is responsible for promoting community involvement and volunteering.