Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center hosts annual Gift of Giving event

About 180 children at the Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center are hard at work this week making 400 hand-packed care boxes filled with food and toiletries.

The boxes will be donated to various local charities and food pantries as part of the center's annual Gift of Giving program. Lake Villa and Avon townships, PLAN pantry, Open Arms Mission, Department of Children and Family Services and the Lake County Housing Authority will benefit from the donations.

The effort also includes the Adopt an Angel program to provide Christmas gifts to children in DCFS foster care. Organizers are still soliciting sponsors to provide items to about 120 children.

Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center Principal Frank Davis said he hopes to have the program wrapped up by Friday.

"Our goal this year, like every year, is just to fill all the wish lists of all the children and get everything distributed in time for Christmas," Davis said.

Other facets of the program include collecting new toys for children staying at multiple Chicago-area hospitals and area children's homes. Gently used clothing and toys are also needed and will be delivered to local charities and organizations including PADS, Allendale, The Haven women's shelter, Winchester House, Christopher House and The Olive Branch.

To help out with the Adopt an Angel program or to make a donation, contact the Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center at (847) 356-2288.