Kids Above All seeking donations, volunteers for annual holiday drive
Kids Above All is seeking donations of new toys, books, and clothes for children and youth of all ages, as well as volunteer help for its annual Holiday Gift Drive.
The nonprofit's mission is to build better lives for children and families in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties affected by poverty, violence and injustice. Each holiday season, Kids Above All partners with individuals, businesses, community organizations and faith groups for the drive.
Donations can be dropped off at Kids Above All's Better Life Distribution Center, 1801 E. Oakton St. in Des Plaines, through Dec. 13 during regular business hours. You can also donate through the group's Amazon Wishlist at amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1OZGUOEEFH4Z4.
To volunteer to organize, sort and bag gifts for delivery starting Tuesday, visit kidsaboveall.org/holiday-gift-drive.
For more information or to reserve a volunteer spot, email Zulma Colon at zcolon@kidsaboveall.org or call (773) 239-8258.
Anti-hate campaign
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center on Tuesday is launching a new initiative, "Understanding & Confronting Anti-Jewish Hate," anchored by nine programs focused on helping Chicago-area communities identify and address antisemitism.
The programs, some in-person and some hybrid or virtual, will take place over the next eight months. They will feature discussions with Holocaust survivors, historians, community, civic and religious leaders.
"Today, antisemitism is on an alarming rise," said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Illinois Holocaust Museum. "The growth in the number, ferocity and intensity of public attacks should concern us all, as should the apathy that often greets it. That is why today we must call for more than a time for reflection. The duty we have is an active one; to confront antisemitism."
The series will examine contemporary issues and challenges of antisemitism, and present concrete action items on how to combat acts of hatred in communities, on college campuses, and on a global scale.
All programs are free to the public, but reservations are required.
The first session is "Building Resilience Through Trauma - A Conversation with Survivors of the Holocaust," at noon Tuesday. Survivors Marion Deichmann and Lin Novitsky will share their perspectives on the concept of resilience and hope before, during and after trauma. The event will be moderated by Joy Miller, a member of the museum board and CEO/director of Joy Miller & Associates and Resiliency Productions.
Reserve a spot at ihm.ec/resilience.
Details on future programs will be made available as they are finalized. Topics include: "Here and Now: What Is Antisemitism Today?"; "Responding to Anti-Jewish Hate on College Campuses"; "Echoes of History: Is This the Holocaust?"; "When Hate Becomes a Crime"; "Confronting Antisemitism: A Training for Parents and Caregivers"; "Never Again? International Perspectives on Confronting Antisemitism"; "Towards Solidarity: An Interfaith Conversation About Allyship and Advocacy"; and "Where Do We Go from Here: Building a Safer, Better Tomorrow."
'World Nativities' display
"World Nativities: Beyond Europe," global nativity sets and seasonal artwork, will be on display at New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., in Aurora.
The second annual exhibit opens after 10 a.m. worship Sunday in the church narthex. The display of items loaned by congregants will run through December.
Ethnic foods and coffee will be served at the opening. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.
"Our sanctuary has long presented the Nativity images and stories that reflect the European origins of most of our members," said Kimberly Adams, display coordinator. "We will expand our viewpoint to include the wider world. All people want to see something of themselves reflected in the image of God that is highlighted at Christmas."
For more information, call (630) 897-8921 or visit newenglandchurch.org.
'Voices for Peace' campaign
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, the nation's oldest Muslim organization, has launched a campaign calling to amplify the voices calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian territories and a long-term peaceful resolution for the trans-generational conflict.
"Voices for Peace" provides a platform for people of any faith and background to come together under a shared commitment to peace, justice and human dignity.
"The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is deeply concerned about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, the risk of wider escalation and the consequential risk of a world war," said Amjad Mahmood Khan, national secretary of public affairs for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.
The organization's head, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has "unequivocally condemned the killing of innocent civilians" and urged world powers to focus on efforts to de-escalate the conflict and work toward a lasting, peaceful solution based on justice, he added.
A special "Voices For Peace" event will be held Monday in the Congressional building in Capitol Hill. Speakers include Karim A.A. Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; Imam Azhar Haneef, national vice president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA; and professor Craig Considine of Rice University.
Members of Congress also are expected to participate.
Youth mental health
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg will host a virtual town hall Monday on the ongoing youth mental health epidemic.
Starting at 12:30 p.m., Krishnamoorthi and local experts will discuss how best to address it and what steps parents, health care professionals and policymakers can take to help those in need.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the need to address America's mental health crisis, particularly in teens and young adults.
"But there is still more to be done at all levels, particularly as we confront the related substance abuse challenges facing our nation," Krishnamoorthi writes in his newsletter.
RSVP for the town hall at ushr.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_9_G9INz_Q1qlcx0SmKtOjg#/registration.
Addiction survey
Are you a Muslim who has struggled with substance abuse or do have a family member who has?
The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and the Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab are conducting a national study on substance addiction in American Muslim communities using focus groups and interviews.
Participation will be confidential and private. Each participant will receive a $70 gift card. Learn more about participating in an interview or focus group at ispu.org.
• Share stories and news from the suburban mosaic at mkrishnamurthy@dailyherald.com.