Save the Date for Elk Grove Township Holiday Outreach Programs

Elk Grove Township provides a wide range of services and programs throughout the year, in keeping with their motto, "Empowering People through Community." This fall and winter, three major outreach programs will kick off, so "save the date" and consider donating to the Thanksgiving Basket, Operation Christmas and/or White Christmas programs. Donation applications are now open and can be mailed, completed online at elkgrovetownship.com/holiday-programs or called into the Township at (847) 437-0300 to register your donation.

"Last year our holiday programs assisted more than 300 households, totaling more than 600 individuals who were in need,"said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. "Please consider joining us to help make this holiday season a bit brighter for our neighbors experiencing financial hardships."

See below for more information about each of these programs and how to get involved:

• Thanksgiving Baskets: Donors for this program can register to bring non-perishable foods in a laundry basket, cardboard box, or a container of their choosing, along with a $10-$25 gift card from a local grocery store. These items will be distributed to qualifying Township families for the Thanksgiving holiday. Online donor registration must be completed by Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, and Thanksgiving baskets should be dropped off at the Township office (west entrance) no later than Monday, Nov. 16 by 3:30 p.m.

• Operation Christmas: Participants for Operation Christmas are asked to donate $50 gift cards from local retailers for low-income families and seniors to help them celebrate Christmas. The gift card will enable parents to get desired items for their children, as well as gifts from Santa under their tree. Seniors can purchase items they may not normally be able to afford, such as household items or new clothing. Donor registrations for this program must be completed by Friday, Oct. 16, and donations must be turned into the Township no later than Friday, Dec. 4 by 3:30 p.m.

• White Christmas Drive: The number of food pantry users increases during the winter months and over the holidays. Federal food stamps (SNAP money) cannot be used to purchase cleaning or paper supplies, as well as personal hygiene products. The White Christmas Drive relies on community donations to provide dry goods to food pantry users. Donations for this drive will be accepted throughout the winter months and can be dropped off at the Township office.

Elk Grove Township Center is located at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village.

For more information about these giving programs, please call the Township at (847) 437-0300.