Northbrook Park District collecting gifts, wrapping paper for Youth Services Glenview/Northbrook

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many holiday traditions will need to be adjusted this year. In the past, Northbrook Park District Recreation Division staff members have volunteered at the holidays to wrap gifts for Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook.

Although that's just not possible in 2020, staff members are still doing their part to help this worthwhile local organization.

This year, the Northbrook Park District is showing support in a new way by hosting a family gift and wrapping paper drive to benefit Youth Services. Items can be dropped off at the Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, through Friday, Nov. 20. The family wish list age limit for this year was reduced to children 18 and younger and the organization is looking to also include a household-oriented gift for the families who submitted wish lists for their children. Some of the suggestions include gifts for the home such as candles, blankets, bath sets and family board games. Gift cards are also being accepted to allow the families to select their own gifts.

Because the group gift-wrapping event had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 guidelines, the collection includes wrapping supplies such as paper, boxes, gift bags, bows and tape so the families will be able to wrap their own presents.

According to their website, Youth Services of Glenview-Northbrook was founded in Glenview in 1972 and in Northbrook in 1974 to help children in the communities. Because both agencies shared the same mission, they merged in 1992. Since that time, Youth Services has grown to offer programs focused on early intervention, intervention, and crisis response. Their main goal is to "foster the social and emotional well-being of children and youth." During a pandemic, this mission becomes more important and more needed than ever.

For more information about this gift and wrapping paper drive, reach out to Performing Arts Manager Erin Sweet at (847) 897-6157 or esweet@nbparks.org.

• The Mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.