Humanitarian Service Project needs donations, volunteers for its 41st annual 'Christmas Offering'

The Humanitarian Service Project, based in Carol Stream, is preparing for its 41st annual "Christmas Offering" program.

Through this program, the nonprofit organization provides Christmas gifts and groceries to 2,000-plus low-income children, seniors and families living in DuPage and Kane counties.

The Humanitarian Service Project is looking for community members interested in providing support to successfully distribute over 13,000 gifts and 20 tons of groceries.

The nonprofit is preparing to provide needed groceries to over 300 low-income families in the coming weeks.

A monetary donation of $25 can provide to a local family in need a week's worth of groceries, including such items as fresh fruits and vegetables, during a period of financial stress for those struggling with poverty.

Donations of toys and books for children between 8-15 years old are also especially needed.

For 41 years, the Humanitarian Service Project has spread holiday joy and much needed relief to thousands of vulnerable members of DuPage and Kane counties through its "Christmas Offering."

"For over four decades, HSP has seen countless families struggle to make ends meet and put food on the table even though parents are working long hours, nights and weekends. We've seen seniors who have worked all their lives but must choose between paying for food, medication and rent," Executive Director Kristin Senne said. "With community support we can make a difference together. By donating food and financial support you are ensuring that our elderly neighbors, families and kids do not have to suffer from hunger and can experience the joy of the Christmas season."

For information, visit www.hsp.agency.

The mission of the Humanitarian Service Project is to alleviate the pain and suffering that poverty brings to seniors and children in DuPage and Kane counties, Illinois. In 2018, during the Christmas Offering Project, 1,849 children and 138 seniors received gifts and over 300 impoverished families received groceries. With the Senior Citizen Project, HSP provides monthly grocery deliveries of vital nutritious food, and other necessities to 140 low-income seniors. Through the Children's Project, it provides for the nutritional, emotional, and academic needs of more than 700 low-income children. In 2018, though the three programs, the organization distributed approximately 120 tons of groceries to people in need.