We’ve offered thanks, now it’s time for giving

Originally published December 1, 2016

The Orland Park area offers many opportunities to give back or contribute to the community≥

The Giving Tree at the Orland Park Public Library

Orland Park Public Library and the Orland Township Food Pantry are again hosting The Giving Tree. During December, the library will collect new winter clothing — coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. The Giving Tree is located on the main level of the library.

The Giving Tree service project has been gathering items during this time of year for 16 years. The library’s teen advisory group, Teen Inc., began this service project. It remains a wonderful way for library patrons to give back to the community. Simply bring your donations to the library Youth Services Desk, or place them under the tree (or on it, if you are so inclined), during regular library hours.

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

Orland Township Food Pantry Holiday Program

The Orland Township Food Pantry is accepting donations to stock their shelves and is again sponsoring families for their upcoming Holiday Program. Marianne Hill, Food Pantry coordinator, spoke with me about the Holiday Program. She has been involved with the Food Pantry since it began in 1983.

The Food Pantry coordinates programs for families that may need a little extra help during this season through its Holiday Program. Adopt-A-Family and Family Sponsorships are currently underway, wherein generous individuals may gift toys, clothing, and other necessities to ensure other families that may be having a difficult time this year may enjoy the holiday.

New this year for Orland Township is a Giving Tree, which is located in the lobby of the Township Offices at 14807 Ravinia. To participate, simply choose an ornament hanging from the tree. The ornament contains the age and gender of a child hoping for a gift. Purchase an item, and return the gift and tag to the Township offices before December 9.

Donations for The Holiday Program, which will be Dec. 15, should be received by the Food Pantry by Dec. 9. During the Holiday Event, families that have previously filled out paperwork and a “Wish List” will then be invited to the event to receive their gifts.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for groups or students in need of community service hours. Currently, volunteers are needed during certain shifts. Please phone the Orland Township office at 708-403-4222 to volunteer, as opportunities fill up quickly.

“Orland Township provides gifts, food, and gift certificates to deserving families served in this area. We wish to thank everyone for their donations. We truly appreciate all of the donations that are received. Our goal is to help families have a happy and merry Christmas,” Hill said.

More information is at orlandtownship.org/food-pantry/

Forest Preserve District of Will County

If the holiday season has already begun to get a bit overwhelming, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has an upcoming volunteer opportunity that could help.

A natural resource workday will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 11, at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Glen. Participants will help remove woody invasive species in the preserve.

“Volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to their community, support the local environment, meet fellow nature-lovers, and get some fresh air and exercise,” said Cindy Cain, the district’s public information officer. Registration is required at 815)-722-7364, or send an email to volunteer supervisor Renee Gauchat, rgauchat@fpdwc.org.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Paul Martinez, marketing and web manager for the Chicago Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, shared information about their inaugural Jingle Bell Walk from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday. This event features a 3K walk through Lincoln Park, with choirs caroling along the way. Hot chocolate and fresh cookies will be served; there will be kid’s crafts, a special visit from Santa, and view of the zoo and city holiday lights!

The net proceeds go toward alleviating poverty among the poor, cold, and hungry during the holiday season. Participants will receive a winter hat with the St. Vincent de Paul logo and the option to attend the after-party (tickets sold separately). More information is at www.jinglebellwalk.com

St. Vincent de Paul is always looking for donations, especially this time of year. Martinez reminds us that “Donations tend to drop off during the holidays and winter months so it’s nice to remind people that we serve people in need every day of the year! The holidays are probably the toughest time for many people.”

This time of year, let us keep in mind to be thankful, helpful, giving, and kind.