Libertyville homeless shelter thankful for supporters
Charitable organizations typically ask businesses to support their mission, but a Libertyville nonprofit turned the tables and gave something away.
Volunteers for The Lake County Haven, a homeless services agency for women and children, assembled goody bags of cookies to deliver to downtown businesses, along with heartfelt thank-you notes.
The goal of Giving with Gratitude was simple.
"We wanted to show our gratitude to the community that helps us in a million different ways," said Laura Sabino, executive director of the Lake County Haven. "They give financially and through gifts in kind. They volunteer, sponsor our events, and employ our residents."
The Haven volunteers visited the following businesses: Sports 11, Lolo's Bowls, Salt of the Earth, Studio Elevate Fit, Singalila Gallery, Bootery Boutique, Shakou, Rolland's Jewelers, Chrissoulas, Main Street Social, Duck Donuts, Salon Prismatic, Mickey Finn's Brewery, Pizzeria DeVille, Black Cat Yoga, Libertyville Civic Center, Zengeler Cleaners, BodyWorks Fitness & Spa, Libertyville Vision Center and Shur-Way Moving & Cartage.
"We wish we could visit every supporter, because we are thankful for all of the businesses and individuals in Libertyville and beyond," Sabino said.
The Haven is celebrating its 30th year of providing emergency shelter, housing and services to homeless women and their children. Gratitude is an important element of their program. Each night, residents of the shelter jot down four or five things for which they are grateful.
"It's hard living in a shelter," Sabino said. "So, we try to help residents focus on what they do have, which is a safe, comfortable place to live, all their meals provided, all the necessities of life and our support. It makes them feel better."
Volunteers from the Friends of Lake County Haven group conducted Giving with Gratitude. To take part in events like this and help make a difference for those who are homeless in Lake County, visit lakecountyhaven.org.