Des Plaines basks in lights at Metropolitan Square
Des Plaines held its annual tree-lighting ceremony Friday evening in Metropolitan Square.
Santa Claus was there but kept his distance as a COVID-19 precaution. Children were encouraged to put their letters to Santa in a special mailbox.
The Des Plaines Self-Help Closet & Food Pantry accepted donations of nonperishable food, and a "Mitten Tree" was set up for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves.
Several smaller trees, which were decorated by local groups, are on display with Des Plaines' main holiday tree at Metropolitan Square.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com