Celebrating the season: gifting, giving and joy

Originally published December 3, 2015

“The Season” is now upon us.

Celebrations, gatherings and winter wonderment last from Thanksgiving until New Year’s. Let us put gifting, giving and joy into the equation.

Gifting: Food pantry

The Orland Township Food Pantry is accepting donations to stock its shelves and sponsor families for the holidays. Marianne Hill, pantry coordinator since it began in 1983, said several programs provide help with toys, clothing and other necessities to enable families to enjoy the season.

On Dec. 16, families who have completed paperwork and a wish list will receive gifts at a special event. Donations must be received by Dec. 11.

The pantry needs volunteers. Please call the Orland Township office at (708) 403-4222.

“The Orland Township Food Pantry collects canned and/or boxed (shelf-stable) food items, pet products and/or monetary donations — not only during the holidays, but throughout the entire year,” Hill said.

For more information about the pantry, visit: http://orlandtownship.org/food-pantry/

Giving: The library’s tree

The Orland Park Public Library, in conjunction with the Orland Township Food Pantry, is hosting The Giving Tree. New winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.) can be donated until Dec. 30.

The service project has been gathering items during this time of year for 15 years. Teen Inc., the library’s teen advisory group, started the project, and it remains a wonderful way for library patrons to give back to the community. Simply bring your donations to the youth services desk or place them under the tree on the main level (or on it, if you are so inclined).

Check out other programs and gifts the library has this season by visiting orlandparklibrary.org. Patrons interested in supporting the library may contact library director Mary Weimar to memorialize a loved one with a paver or books.

Joy: Decorating trees

The village of Orland Park is sponsoring the community tree-trimming event for the second year. Groups (Girl/Boy Scout troops, youth organizations, teams, etc.) let their creative talents shine. The trees are located in Centennial Park, near the warming house, 15600 West Ave.

After the trees are decorated, the artistry will be celebrated from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Santa will make an appearance at 2 p.m., so make sure to bring your cameras. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. All decorations and ornaments should be homemade and able to withstand the local weather.

Decorations may be placed on the trees through Dec. 24. After Jan. 11, any ornaments or decorations not retrieved will be removed. Preregistration is required. Visit the recreation administrative office, 14600 Ravinia; or the Sportsplex, 11341 W. 159th St., to register your tree and to receive decorating guidelines.

Bridge Teen Center open house

The ongoing remodeling project at The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, will be revealed from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday in a drop-in event open to the public. The expansive new space — which is 4,800 square feet — just about doubles the center’s environment.

Tours will be given showcasing the new stage, demonstration kitchen (for culinary classes), life skills workshop (auto maintenance, etc.) and quiet study areas. Visit www.thebridgeteencenter.org for more information.