Gurnee Park District's 'Doll 'Em Up and Donate' event helping the homeless
The Gurnee Park District has a history of serving the Gurnee community and local nonprofits, such as the Woodland School District 56 free summer food service program, Keeping Families Covered diaper drive, Bernie's Book Bank collections, Feed My Starving Children and more. District officials are continuing that tradition this winter with an event aimed at engaging the community, keeping people active and helping out those in need.
The Doll 'Em Up and Donate campaign, launched last week, invites residents to make and decorate snowmen with hats, scarves and gloves at Ravinia Park or Betty Russell Park.
The winter clothing items then will be collected on Wednesday and donated to PADS Lake County, which provides support, resources and shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis.
Recreation Supervisor Beckie Korzyniewski found inspiration for the event through communications with park districts in Illinois and nationwide. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many districts are working together to come up with events that follow social distancing protocols.
"Gurnee Park District, pandemic or not, continues to provide programs based on our mission to 'promote fun and preserve nature,'" said Deanna Angelini Johann, the district's public relations and sponsorship specialist. "Doll 'Em Up and Donate was an opportunity for everyone, every age, every community member to stay active and gather with friends and family members in a safe manner."
Johann said the park district will adjust as state COVID-19 mitigations change to provide programs for the community. She said feedback is welcome at gpd@gurneeparkdistrict.com.
The next communitywide event is a virtual bingo night set for Feb. 19.
For information about bingo or other park district events, visit www.gurneeparkdistrict.com.