5 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season
FIVE Ways to Give Back This holiday season
Bethany Rae, December 17, 2019
Giving…not Getting. Here at Northern Fork, we like to think that’s what the season is all about. If you’re keen to agree, here are 5 local charities you should consider supporting this holiday. We promise there is no ribbon long enough to tie a bow around the goodness you’ll feel.
Second City Canine Rescue
Roselle, IL
We’ve all seen the commercial: eager children run down the steps on Christmas morning to find a bouncing puppy with a red jingle bell collar frolicking beneath the tree; But there are dogs of all ages who need good homes. Consider fostering a four-legged friend through our pals at SCCR. Unable to commit to fostering? Try volunteering to walk or handle pups, or simply offer a monetary donation. SCCR is a non-profit organization serving homeless dogs and puppies from all over Chicagoland—as well as areas of Michigan and Indiana, and as far as Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Lurie Children’s Hospital: Innovators
Chicago, IL
Founded by a single nurse in 1882 as a simple 4-bed cottage focusing on the care of youths, Lurie Children’s (formally Children’s Memorial) now prides itself on being a national leader in pediatric care and research. The hospital is always seeking financial support to continue to offer the very best of care. Becoming an Innovator requires a “gift” minimum of $5000 which includes a vote in how the pooled funds are spent for that year. If that level of sponsorship is too high a bar, LCH has an entire page with ideas on to help, including: volunteering, cash donations, and toys for kids. Also consider hosting your own fundraising event– its fruits will be very well spent.
Operation Christmas Spirit
Chicago, IL; Nationwide
OCS offers all sorts of ways to serve those who serve. Consider adopting a family for the holidays, sending gifts to single soldiers who will be alone for Christmas, hosting a toy drive for children of active parents, or simply donating money or gift cards. Send cards or letters to folks deployed or older veterans. Even the Adopt-a-Sailor program through Great Lakes Naval Base (and other programs like it) gives families a chance to invite someone in to their very own home to share a holiday meal. Don’t want to clean the house? Help serve meals at a kitchen or food event.
A Safe Place
Zion, IL
The holiday season is the perfect time to pause and express gratitude for having a warm, safe home in which to celebrate; Not everyone is so lucky. ASP is an organization that strives to help victims of domestic violence. Their services include a 24hr hotline, an emergency shelter, and safe housing for those in need. They also offer assistance with orders of protection and supervised visitations, as well as family counseling. But providing homes, staffing the programs, and maintaining the structures all takes money. Considering an ongoing monthly donation ASP can rely on all year long. They also gladly accept one-time donations; No amount is too small.
Chicago Sun-Times: Letters to Santa
Chicago, IL
Click the link above to “Become an Elf”…which is a fancy way to say you’ll register to sponsor a child who has submitted a letter to Santa through this charming CST charity. Be prepared to be matched with a single child, receive their letter, and revel in the opportunity to make their Christmas wish come true. Last year, they received over 12,000 letters! This year, Northern Fork is sponsoring 10 children and also donating our baked goodies and cocoa to make delivery day all the more merry. We hope you’ll consider joining us in a little Christmas do-good’ing…and we wish you and yours the happiest of holidays.
Have a food related UPCOMING event?
Reach out below!