Plenty of ways to give back
Thanksgiving is a time for acknowledging blessings as well as preparing for the Season of Love during the winter holidays.
On Giving Tuesday, organizations and charities often match donations up to a certain threshold. But throughout the holiday seasons, many people get in the spirit by contributing to a cause through a purchase, donating money or goods or volunteering a few hours to help make a difference or spread some joy.
The 111-year-old Chicago Lighthouse, which serves some 67,000 people who are blind, disabled or veterans, has a challenge that day from a supporter who will match donations up to $10,000.
The organization has 40 programs that provide educational services and job support and assistance, but one way people can help and at the same time put a present under the tree is to buy a fashion clock made by clients of the program.
"(They are) truly beautiful and they are made by people who are blind and they support employment. This goes a long way in providing jobs that people can enjoy. They get benefits and are paid a living wage. The philosophy has been to teach a person to fish," said Lighthouse President and CEO Janet Szlyk. "Our organization we feel gives so much to the community and in turn the community supports us."
Readers of the Daily Herald also may enter "HERALD18" when they order now through Dec. 14 to receive 25 percent off an order.
The Lincolnshire-based Community Purse seeks to combine resources four times a year for an area charity or organization. A circle of 100 women pools donations of $100 each four times a year to make a $10,000 donation to a charity.
The group meets four times a year - including November - to nominate three charities, who later make brief presentations. One recipient is chosen for the $10,000 donation and three charities are chosen to make their respective pitches at the next meeting. Community Purse has chapters in Lake and McHenry Counties and is accepting new members.
The Fox Valley United Way's assistance program for area families fills up fast each year, providing needs and wants for families that go through a screening process by the United Way. Last year, the program helped some 385 children in Kane and Kendall counties, said Debra Rudel, Fox Valley United Way director of operations.
United Way matches each family with a sponsor family. Businesses often contribute, but a few more sponsor families are needed this year to provide necessities like blankets, coats and boots, and to also buy gifts and gift cards for teens.
"We are the conduit between the people who need help and the people who are generous and want to help," Rudel said.
Other ways to give back involve volunteering time.
Plenty of folks give back at homeless shelters, soup kitchens or bell-ringing stands.
Each year, the St. Charles Downtown Partnership relies on volunteers to help pull off the city's "Electric Christmas Parade."
Held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, extra hands are needed for crowd control, staging the 60-plus illuminated floats. The work can be quite an adventure given the weather, which can range from horizontal rain to bitter cold. Email info@downtownstcharles.org or call (630) 443-3967 to help.
"There's not a lot of other night parades (in the suburbs). All of our entries are lit up. They have to be," said Jenna Sawicki, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership. "We definitely have more volunteers when it's warmer."